In 2007 Neil Motherway was authorised by Fay Goodman Sensei (Shichidan Renshi Iaido BKA) to establish an Irish branch of Masamune.

History of Masamune

Fay Goodman Nanadan Renshi started Masamune Dojo in 1985 as part of the Okimitsu Fujii Sensei Kenseikai Dojo. The name Masamune was chosen following research into finding a name that would have real meaning for the Dojo and it's practitioners. Upon reading various publications, history revealed the great Masamune to be one of the most famous swordsmiths making swords only to represent a symbol of peace. Masamune also believed in making his swords to perfection and as such he did not sign many blades believing his workmanship would speak for itself. As Masamune strove for perfection when making each individual blade, so Iaido practitioners at Masamune Dojo also seek to strive for good technique, humbleness and aiming for perfection through a lifetime of practice.

Training

The dojo Head Iaido Instructor is Neil Motherway, Sandan (3rd) Dan Iaido and a member of the Technical Board of the I.A.I.. Neil found himself studying Iaido in Birmingham under Fay Goodman sensei. He has been studying Iaido for two and a half years at Masamune Dojo, where he has been lucky enough to have received instruction fron Fay sensei (7th Dan) along with a number of lesser Dan graded Iaidoka ranging from Shodan to Godan, allowing him to progress relatively quickly through the grades to Sandan which is his current grade. Neil's training has been predominantly in Seitei Gata Iai as Fay Sensei does not encourage Kyu grades to practice KoRyu Iai as they need to concentrate on Seitei first to get the basics of Iaido; this attitude is a reflection of the attitude of Oshita Sensei and Morita Sensei in Japan.

Training and Fees

Classes are run at 12.00am to 2.00pm every Saturday except over Christmas.

Currently the fee per night is EUR 12.00 for members of the IAI and EUR 15.00 for non-members.

Training is taking place at The Factory, The Maltines, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

For further information please contact Neil at: neil@iaido.ie