Martin from Uppsala, Sweden

1) What is your name?
-"Martin."

2) How old are you?
-"43 years old."

3) What is your nationality?
-"Swedish."

4) Why did you come to Japan?
-"To practice with Takada Sensei and to take part in the enbu at Seto jinja."

5) When did you start iaidô and why?
-"I started in September 1984. I first met Sensei in May 1986.
All my friends at school got interested in Japanese culture, mainly budo. Most of them started with karatedo, some with aikido and some with zazen. Since I was a little boy I have been interested in swords, so I was very happy when I heard from a friend that there was also a iaido club in the same dojo where he did aikido. So I started iaido. Now, almost 26 years later, all my friends have long since stopped their budo practice, I’m the only one still practicing."

6) Have you ever participated in iai demonstration in Japan? What was it like? How about in your own country?
-"Yes, this was the third time I participated in iai demonstration in Japan. I feel very honored to be able to participate and to see such great iaido (and other budo) performers. I have participated in many demonstrations in Sweden and other countries outside Japan."

7) Is there a difference between training in Japan and in Europe?
-"We don’t have Takada Sensei in Europe, other than in camps, once or twice a year. So we have to remember what Sensei has told and shown us and try to do as good as possible. When I teach I try to teach the same things and the same way as Sensei teaches me. That’s my aim even if I’m not always successful."

8) What do you think about Takada Gakudô Sensei's style related to iaidô and training?
-"It’s the best iaido I have ever seen, very powerful, but still flowing, and with lots of spirit/heart (kokoro)."

9) What kind of a teacher is Takada Gakudô Sensei?
-"Sensei is a great teacher. He has a lot of patience with students that haven’t yet practiced for long. At some camps I am still surprised seeing the kind of patience Sensei shows towards students. With older students Sensei expects more, but I think that it's good to set yourself a goal: try to fill Sensei’s expectations until next time you meet him. I’m very grateful for having met Sensei in 1986 and being able to practice with him since."

10) What would you like to say to someone who is thinking about starting iaidô?
-"If you can think of putting some effort into your practice, starting iaido can be the best thing you have ever done. You'll learn a lot of other things outside of iaido, like Japanese history and culture. And you'll also meet a lot of very nice people from other countries."

Mikko from Jyvaskyla, Finland

1) What is your name?
-"Mikko."

2) How old are you?
-"35."

3) Why did you come to Japan?
-"I came to Japan, because I wanted to broaden my understanding of Iaidô and to experience Iai in its home country. A big part of the trip was to participate in the Seto Jinja enbu."

4) When did you start iaidô and why?
-"I started Iaido in September 1998. The main reason was that I have been interested in martial arts since I was very young. I've tried different Budô while I was trying to find one that suits me best. After a long pause I moved to Jyväskylä and was introduced to Iaidô by a friend, I hadn't even heard about Iaidô before. I have been training since."

5) Have you ever participated in iai demonstration in Japan? What was it like? How about in your own country?
-"This was my first trip to Japan and luckily I had the opportunity to participate on the Seto Jinja enbu. It was more than I could have ever dreamed of. I have wanted to see different Ryûha for some time and I was pleased to hear from Sensei that there would be much to see. Being the first time I didn’t know what to expect and coming from a different culture everything was new. In the end everything went smoothly. I own a big thank you for all of the local Iaidoka who helped us during our stay. I have participated in few enbu's in my home country, but there is no comparison."

6) Is there a difference between training in Japan and in Europe?
-"Yes, there is a big difference in the atmosphere. The regular training is more or less the same compared to the camps in Scandinavia, but the special trainings were different, more intense and very demanding."

7) What do you think about Takada Gakudô Sensei's style related to iaidô and training?
-"First thing that comes to mind is that it's very easy to follow a strong example. Sensei is very strict in training and the goal he sets is very high. Sensei makes Iaidô look effortless while being dynamic and precise."

8) What kind of a teacher is Takada Gakudô Sensei?
-"Sensei is very demanding, but at the same time he encourages to learn. His profound knowledge and experience of Budô reflects in his teaching and sometimes Sensei shows a little bit extra. Those occasions really make one wonder how much there is to learn from him."

9) What would you like to say to someone who is thinking about starting iaidô?
-"I recommend trying, Iaidô can contribute to whatever one might pursue in life."

Iaido Seminar in Sweden & Bulgaria

June 29 - July 7, 2010

"48 people from 4 countries gathered in Uppsala, Sweden for a 4-day iaido seminar. People came from Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Austria to take part in the lessons taught by Takada sensei. As usual when there is a seminar in Uppsala the weather turns to sunny and hot, and this year was no exception although we did see some rain too.

The schedule for the camp called for classes in Shoden, Toho, Chuden, Okuiai and Tachi Uchi no Kurai as well as Jodo. The first classes of the day started at 9.00 and the last ended at 18.30 with a two hour lunch. Even though the days were full of practice everyone kept their spirits up and contributed with all their best iai.

Having Takada sensei here to teach us is a great privilege and the fact that about 50 people from all over Europe show up every year proves how much we appreciate and cherish his teachings. Even though we seem to have a hard time remembering all the lessons from year to year, and sensei having to remind us about wide cuts, proper iaigoshi and the importance of shizei, in the end we get better each year. That is especially evident this year when no less than 14 people passed their grading and gained new ranks ranging from shodan all the way up to godan.

This year was also the first time that Takada sensei went to Sofia in Bulgaria to teach iaido where 12 people attended the seminar. The trip to and from Sofia became much more adventurous than anticipated due to delayed flights, but eventually we reached our destination.

In Sofia Sensei was interviewed by Bulgarian Television and he gave a demonstration for both the Television and general public. The camp was for two and a half days and included lessons in Shoden, Toho, Chuden, Tachi Uchi no Kurai and Jodo."

~Thank you Tor & Martin~