Can You Train Iaido (Katana Martial Arts) on Your Own?

Hello everyone. Thank you for reading this article. I’m Shogo from Let’s ask Shogo, the interpreter of the online lessons and owner of this website.

I’m very thankful to know that many people want to start training in katana martial arts because they’ve watched our videos. But I also receive a lot of questions asking me, “I don’t have a dojo nearby, so can I self-teach myself?” I’m happy that you’re interested, so I’m not 100% against it, but there are two things that I’m concerned about. 

First is your safety. It’ll be almost nine years since I started training in Iai/Kenjutsu, but I still sometimes get injuries. Watching videos or other educational content will make it difficult to understand how to keep yourself and others safe.

Second, is that there are more than just the actual techniques of the katana that are important to learn. If you want to learn just how to fight with someone or self-defense, you should learn more modern practical martial arts. The best part about learning a traditional Japanese Budo is that you can also learn the history and culture behind everything that has been carried down today.

The third is about the relationship between the instructor and the student. In this modern world where we never carry katana around and fight with anyone, there is no practical meaning for you to be able to handle a katana. But I believe the community you create/join through your training will forever be a treasure of your life. 

So, in conclusion, if there aren’t any dojo near you, I would recommend taking online lessons. Which online lessons would I recommend? Of course, the ones that Seki Sensei and I provide. To learn more about how our lessons are held, please check out the other pages on this website or our videos on Let’s ask Seki Sensei.