HISTORY & FOCUS
HISTORY
Homonji Iaido is a practice based on techniques from Koryu (old style) Japanese Sword Arts. Our focus is on gaining balance, mindfulness, discipline and harmony in our lives.
Hoden Sensei has been training in and teaching Martial Arts for over 40 years, including over 25 years in Japanese Sword Arts where he is ranked Godan (5th Degree) in Tamiya Ryu Iaijutsu. He also received Gengo (Kengo) through the organization and was previously Shihandai.
In 2014 Hoden Sensei created Homonji Iaido after going through formal training to become a Zen Buddhist monk, ordaining in 2010 at Seonamsa (Hermit Rock Monastery, South Korea). Shortly after coming back to Michigan, he opened Dharma Gate Zen Temple to teach Zen, compassion and meditation to people in the west.
Homonji Iaido was founded to help provide a focused, holistic practice of Japanese Sword Arts to help bring a better understanding of Zen and culture to students. Over the last decade and more of practice, Homonji has grown greatly in students and locations, and we look to sharing this wonderful art to those who are interesting in learning.
Now with three locations and over 50 active students, Homonji Iaido is focused on bringing this practice to students who wish to learn Japanese Sword Arts in a traditional setting.
OUR FOCUS
HOMONJI IAIDO IS OPEN TO PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES, FROM ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS TO EXPERIENCED MARTIAL ARTISTS.
Students must be at least 16 years of age to start training. We use Iaito (safe practice sword), bokuto (wooden sword), and shinai (bamboo sword) and safety equipment while sparring. Shinken (live blades) are never allowed in classes (unless for special occasions, such as test cutting).
Our focus is to provide students in the west with opportunity to train in traditional sword arts, overcome ego and to ultimately have fun in their development.
Our training and classes are challenging and our practice is a lifelong pursuit. We do not have competition in any form, and each student is supported in developing at their own pace.