Each of us has our own reasons for practicing Budo {The Way of Holding Back Conflict}and, over time, those reasons may change.  The concept of Ken Shin Ichijyo; the Sword, the Body, the Mind and the Spirit working together in harmony, is what we are working toward.  What we do in the dojo reflects what we do outside of the dojo and the opposite holds true.  Our efforts should be focused on living honourably in the world, being truthful and helpful to others, and always doing our best.  Budo is our Art, but more than that, it is right livelihood and right action in the world. 

The Aims of Budo

1.       To act respectfully and with courtesy towards yourself, your tools, your fellow students, and your dojo.  Be dignified; have a tolerant open mind and heart.

2.       To be self-disciplined and practice to develop a strong and flexible spirit, mind, and body.

3.       To develop trust and trustworthiness.

4.       To develop self-confidence based on competence.

5.       To know yourself and your art through research and practice.

6.       To act honourably, truthfully and sincerely with care and compassion for all people.  Be humble and polite during practice.

7.       To improve yourself in order to establish peace and harmony in your family, your society, and your world. 

8.       To use attention and wholeheartedness in all that you do.

9.       To continue the advance of good Budo technique and attitude.

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Below, some of our members express why they practice.

I found myself at regular intervals feeling waves of well-being washing over me after completing a kata. I think that is one of the reasons I practice Iaido. It is like moving meditation for me. There is a wonderful feeling of calm and well-being I get when I am able to unify mind, body and sword. Not that it happens all that often but that is what makes it especially wonderful. 

I also practice to keep a connection to history. I really do love that we are practicing this ancient tradition… There is a sort of alchemy to Iaido that really appeals to me. Also, the life and death immediacy of the sword really brings my attention into sharp focus. There is no room for dancing around. The first error will very likely be your last. If we could only bring that attention to our lives. That isn't to say we shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes but neither should we be careless in our living or our practice. ~ R.I. {Sandan}

Consistent training -- the regular pilgrimage to the dojo -- has become an underlying rhythm in my life.  Much like the changing of the 4 seasons, the daily acts of sleeping, eating, and working, and, indeed, the regular ticking of the heart, the practice of Iaido has very much become an essential beat in the tempo of my life.  If I miss a session for any reason, there is always a feeling that something is. . . well. . . missing.

Furthermore, in our modern world, it is not easy finding a pursuit in which one develops a lifelong relationship with a teacher who shares with you the single goal of the daily improvement of your mind, body, and spirit.  The budo obviously fulfills that.  It is a lifelong journey in search of moments of perfection. . . how cool is that?     ~C.D. {Nidan}

Belonging to Shin Ken Kai is as much my practice as Iaido. Both give me support & courage to be stronger and braver in the world. ~C.M.{Godan}

Iaido gives me a firm base to develop myself. It teaches me how to balance and use my body and spirit in harmony. Iaido develops in me a sense of both a keen awareness and a compassion for all. It has also given me a sanga; a chosen family of like-minded people coming together to polish each other. I have learned about my physical and spiritual capabilities as well as Budo [martial arts] techniques that continue to give me balance and self-confidence. I also practice in order to pass on the tradition of Iaido from my instructors and from their instructors. Of course, the real questions is...why not practice?     ~K.M.  {Rokudan}