HEIJO SHIN

[HEIJO SHIN]

Hello all,

I'm a new member to the forum, and have had an interest in the Samurai culture and way of life for many years.
I now live in France, and I'm looking to start Iaido as a complete novice.
Now I understand how ideal it is to have a good teacher, but has anyone tried to teach themselves from books and video's?

I have tried to find a dojo within a reasonable distance from were I live, but its just not possible. I may start off by trying to find a week residential course somewere, but most of my training will have to be done by myself. Is anyone else in this position. I have two nice original Katana's, but will start off with a wood sword.

I would also like a recommedation for a good online store were I could buy the correct clothing at a reasonable price.

Best wishes to you all for the weekend.

HEIJO SHIN

[roar]

Hello all,

I'm a new member to the forum, and have had an interest in the Samurai culture and way of life for many years.
I now live in France, and I'm looking to start Iaido as a complete novice.
Now I understand how ideal it is to have a good teacher, but has anyone tried to teach themselves from books and video's?

I have tried to find a dojo within a reasonable distance from were I live, but its just not possible. I may start off by trying to find a week residential course somewere, but most of my training will have to be done by myself. Is anyone else in this position. I have two nice original Katana's, but will start off with a wood sword.

I would also like a recommedation for a good online store were I could buy the correct clothing at a reasonable price.

Best wishes to you all for the weekend.

HEIJO SHIN

france has almost 700 danholders in iai, and there are frequent seminars around the country. Try to find seminars as close as possible, as often as possible, then you get a better start than messing with books and videos, that is a long and painful road that leads nowhere.
try the clubs listed on: http://www.ffjda.com/kendo/iaido.htm
If you are 4-5 people it is quite possible to invite an instructor for at least monthly seminars and split the costs. There is no easy and cheap way to good practise. My own yearly expenses doing iai, travelling/equipment etc, amounts to 2-3000euro. Every month i have to pay the babysitter twice the money my iai-students pay for half a year practise. haha

[HEIJO SHIN]

Many thanks for the reply Roar, I have tried this site you mentioned and have sent off an e-mail so am awaiting a relpy. Let hope I get a reply.

Do you have a favoured store you buy you equipment from.

Thanks again for the info.

[roar]

Many thanks for the reply Roar, I have tried this site you mentioned and have sent off an e-mail so am awaiting a relpy. Let hope I get a reply.

Do you have a favoured store you buy you equipment from.

Thanks again for the info.

When i started iai tozando dominated the market, and they have still competitive prices and nice quality. I have used nine circles for clothing and I have a swordstore-iaito that I am veery satisfied with. All these stores sell excellent equipment, and are highly esteemed in the martial arts-circles.

[Richie224]

For clothing I would try here

http://www.eurobogu.net/map.php

The prices on the european site include postage and both euro and US sites send goods direct from Japan. The US site is very well run too and both provide a very quick service (ems postal service, average turn around time has been about week). Prices are very competitive with ninecircles.