Iaido

Iaido is the Japanese martial art of the sword: drawing, cutting, thrusting, and resheathing, performed as precise solo forms against imagined opponents.

The word loosely translates as “the way of unified presence.” While its techniques have real-world origins and applications, Iaido is practiced today as a vehicle for sharpening concentration and focusing the mind — it is often described as a form of moving Zen. There is no sparring and no competition against another person. The opponent is your own inattention.

We offer the classical style of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, one of the most widely practiced schools of Iaido in the world, with an unbroken history of roughly 450 years reaching back to a time when proficiency with a sword was a matter of survival.

We also teach the seitei Iaido curriculum of the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation), the standardized set used for grading and seminars.

We are the only dojo on Long Island offering this instruction, and one of only a few in New York State.

Classes are led by Gregory Condemi and David Dudek.

What equipment do I need?

Nothing — we provide it. You will be lent a bokuto for your first classes, so do not buy a sword before you have trained. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your knees and elbows, and train in bare feet.

If you decide to join, buy a bokuto of your own first, then a gi, hakama and obi — there is no rush on those. An unsharpened iaito comes later, and only when your instructor says you are ready. Equipment and suppliers lists where to buy, and you should ask us before you order: buying the wrong sword first is a common and expensive mistake.

Expect to move slowly. Iaido is a precision art. Your first months are about the mechanics of the draw, posture, and footwork, repeated carefully. Practitioners who come from striking or grappling arts are often surprised by how demanding that stillness is.

The second-floor dojo is approximately 750 square feet of polished wood, a space dedicated to standing practice — no mats, no ground work.

Iaido suits people who want a martial art without impact. There’s no falling, no throwing, and no partner resistance, which makes it accessible to those who can’t or don’t want to do the rolling and breakfalls that Aikido involves.

Ages 12 and up. Many of our Iaido students also train Aikido — the two combine well, and Aikido’s own movement derives from Japanese sword work. Some train only Iaido. Both are normal.

No contracts. Cancel any time with written notice before the 1st of the following month. Full terms are on the Tuition & Rates page.

1. Fill out the waiver. Required whether you are coming for a trial class or joining outright. Two minutes, and doing it at home means you are not filling in forms while class starts.

2. Come to any Monday or Thursday class. Your first one is free. Members usually arrive 20 minutes early to stretch; someone will show you around and give you a membership card so you can sign in and track your classes.

3. Pay for your first month when you are ready. $50, good for any month, starting on the 1st of that month. We also take cash, check and card in person.

We will email you after you sign up to introduce ourselves and answer any questions.

15 N. Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Look for the white building at N. Clinton Avenue and Mechanicville Road.

• Parking is on-site, entered from Mechanicville Road.
• The door faces N. Clinton Avenue. Walk straight in — no need to ring.
• Iaido is on the second floor — take the stairs on the right of the lobby.
• Doors open 30 minutes before class.
• By train: 0.6 miles from Bay Shore LIRR, about a 15-minute walk.

(586) 436-2454 · info@liaikikai.com · Map and directions →