Traditional or Classical Japanese Swordsmanship (Iaijutsu and Iaido) may be considered the apex of Japanese Martial Arts, and has directly or indirectly influenced a wide range of classical and modern bujutsu and budo, including Aikido, Aikijujutsu, and Iaido.

Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu, one of the oldest classical schools of Japanese martial arts, is a system of strategies and  methods of face-to-face combat, beginning with the sword in the saya (scabbard).  The life of iai lies in nukitsuke, the act of simultaneous drawing and cutting with the sword.

Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu has a direct lineage dating back over 450 years. In the late 16th century, it was adapted for use with the katana, what most people now think of as “the samurai sword”.  Since then, the art has been transmitted through an unbroken chain of lineage to the present day.  This study group will initially focus on the Eishin-ryu Batto-ho portion of the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu curriculum, which consists of solo practice, paired practice, and cutting pracitce. Training will be lead by Robin Everett-McGuirl Sempai under the direction of Erik Johnstone Sensei and Carl Long Shihan, and under the approval and authority of the Jikishin-Kai International (JKI). In addition to classes lead by Everett-McGuirl Sempai, Johnstone Sensei will conduct workshops on a regular basis at Main Street Martial Arts.

Additionally, Long Sensei makes visits to New England once or twice a year for weekend seminars in iaijutsu, kenjutsu and jojutsu.

Classes are for students 16 and older, or may be reviewed on a case by case basis if younger. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent on the first visit to sign a permission form.

Contact Us to try some free Swordsmanship classes, martial arts, or cultural arts classes in any of our programs at (401) 274-7672 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We're looking forward to meeting you!

Picture: The present grandmaster of Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu, Miura Takeyuki Hanshi, was born January 5, 1922 in Shimane-ken, Japan.