Dear all,
As you may have been made aware already as of today an amendment of the "FIREARMS AND OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT 1990" (SI 338 2009 Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order) has come into effect. With this order the following has been added to the list off weapons:
"the sword sometimes known as samurai or katana, other than such a sword—
(i) made before 1954, or
(ii) made at any other time according to traditional methods of making swords by hand.”.

The Iaido Association of Ireland does not provide any legal advice in this matter to anyone, but our believe is that Iaidoka training with blunt weapons are not going to be the target of this legislation. It also excludes swords which have been crafted by traditional methods, therefore all sharp swords which have been bought through an official weapons craft shop in Japan and have been issued with documentation and/or a certificate should have no issues.
Swords made before 1954 have been excluded as well and thus will make exemptions for collectors.

As President of the Iaido Association of Ireland I would recommend for all members of the IAI to carry their membership certificate with them at all times when carrying your sword to and from training. We are happy to assist our members in any matters with regards to any issues occuring because of their Iaido practice. Please contact the President or your teacher for more clarification.

Primary target of this amendment to the act are the cheap mass-produced imitation katana and I would like to disencourage all members to make use of any of these swords at all and at any time. For any legal advise or further clarification, please contact your legal advisor or the ministry of justice.

Thanks and regards,
Björn

President, Iaido Association of Ireland