Meet our Provincial & Regional Teams

A - SENPO

Youshinkan

I do not have competition experience yet; however, I attended a seminar with Hasegawa Sensei in BC in 2025.

I strive to approach my training with sincerity, taking my instructor’s guidance to heart and practicing diligently until what I learn becomes ingrained in both my body and mind.

As a representative, I am committed to embracing my responsibilities, supporting my team, and dedicating myself fully to what I can contribute.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to British Columbia, my dojo, and everyone involved for selecting me.

I hope to continue practicing Iaido over the long term, refining and cultivating my mind, technique, and body.

I also aspire to become a budoka who can pass on the strength and beauty of Iaido, a traditional Japanese art, to the next generation.

A - CHUKEN

Simon Fraser University

I am an Iaido trainee at SFU Kendo Club. I have just over 3 years of experience in Iaido and have achieved the 2 dan rank.

I have attended about 4 seminars in the past in an effort to always learn as much as I can and have competed in 1 taikai.

I hope to continue Iaido consistently and gain valuable experience  through my years of practice, such as in this year's Canadian National Iaido Championships. 

A - TAISHO

Mu Mon Kai

I started learning Iaido in 2002. Iaido helps me to develop physical and mental strength. I want to learn a individual mertial art that will take the rest of tmy life to improve and Iaido suits my neeeds.

Every year I attend Iaido seminar held by Kim Taylor sensei at Guelph University. I earned 2nd place in 2009 Ontario Open Iaido Tournament.

The medal was presented by Hatakenata sensei. I am excited and looking forward to meet and learn from Hatakenata sensei again.

I used to give up easly. After years of practise, from first learning the technique to be able to perform it smoothly give me great satisfaction. Iaido also helps me to develop calmness.

I hope when people see my Iai, they can see the efficiency and beauty of Iai and inspire them to learn and enjoy Iaido.

A - SENPO

Shidokan

I'm Chiu Yin, and I have been practising Muso Shinden Ryu with Shidokan Kendo and Iaido Club for about two and a half years.

I recently obtained my 1-kyu, won the 2025 Ottawa Iaido Championships in the mudansha division and have attended a few seminars held at Shidokan.

My current goals in Iai are to learn and refine all the katas for shoden before moving on to chuden, and hopefully obtain my 1-dan later in the year.

A - CHUKEN

Mokuyobi

Jonathan is a member of Mokuyobi, a club affiliated with Shidokan, and currently holds the rank of nidan in iaido.

In 2023, he placed first in the mudansha division at the Toronto Taikai. He also practices kendo and holds the rank of sandan.

He values the discipline, focus, and continuous learning that martial arts encourage.

Looking ahead, he plans to challenge for sandan in iaido later this year and continue developing his skills in both disciplines.

A - TAISHO

Shidokan

I began my journey in 2003 at Shidokan Kendo & Iaido Club under Santoso Hanitijo Sensei, where I was fortunate to train in both Kendo and Iaido.

In 2016, I earned second place in the 3rd Dan division at the 2nd Canadian National Iaido Championship in Montreal.

Currently a 5th Dan, I contribute to teaching at my dojo. I deeply enjoy Iaido and value how it complements Kendo, as both disciplines enrich my understanding of timing, precision, and the deeper principles of the sword arts.

B - SENPO

Shidokan

I have been practicing iaido for around 3 years now. I’ve been to 1 competition and 1 seminar in the past.

Both events were quite fun and allowed me to improve immensely on my technique and my form.

I think it is a great way to improve your control over your body coordination while also understanding the potential of your own body.

My goals and aspirations for iaido is to reach the rank of 5 dan or higher as of right now.

B - CHUKEN

Isshin Montreal

Over the past seven years, my dedication to Iaido has cultivated a deep appreciation for its precision and focus.

Having participated in five key seminars, I look to continuously sharpen my technique and understanding of the art.

For me, Iaido transcends physical movement; it is aprofound practice of internal reflection and presence.

Looking forward, my primary aspirations are to deepen my understanding through discipline, practice, and purpose while actively contributing to the growth of the Iaido community.

B - TAISHO

Shidokan

I began training at Shidokan Kendo and Iaido Club in 2012 under Santoso Hanitojo Sensei, where I practice both martial arts.

The training, club, and community have all played an important role in shaping the person I am today.

As a 4th Dan practitioner, I look forward to continuing my journey of learning and self-improvement while supporting the growth of my club and the wider community.

SENPO - MU

Etobicoke

I have been practicing Iaido for approximately one year under the guidance of my instructors Stephen Cruise sensei and Matthew Romaschin sensei.

This will be my first competition, I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate. Through training, I have learned the importance of discipline, patience, continually confronting and strengthening my own spirit.

Going forward, I hope to continue refining both my technique and mental discipline while deepening my understanding of Iaido.

JIHO - 2D

Toronto Iaido

I've practiced iai since late 2018 and have trained at Toronto Iaido Club since January 2019. I am also actively training in Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu since 2017, kendo since 2022, and sumo since 2018.

My main background is freestyle wrestling with some other arts dabbled in over the years. To me, iai requires martial integrity in every step of practice.

The focus of my practice lately has been on rhythm: harmonious, disruptive, and the variation in between. I believe that iai is not about the sword, but what happens before and after it is drawn.

It is only by practicing with the correct mind that we can apply iai to our daily life and make our practice "real".

CHUKEN - 3D

Etobicoke

My name is Michael. I have been an Iaido practitioner since 2013.

After watching a documentary of a master blacksmith forging a Katana, I was captivated by the devotion and the craftsmanship of this iconic blade.

That has prompted me to want to learn more about the martial art associated with the weapon.

I am also a kendo practitioner. I really enjoy both teachings that provide me with a better understanding through kata/waza, and keikos.

 This will be my second teikai since practice. I am looking forward to bringing my best to represent our team and the club.

FUKUSHO - 4D

Hitenkai

Peter has over 30 years of martial arts experience, and currently holds the rank of 4-Dan in Iaido, 4-Dan in Jodo, and 4-Dan in Karate. He teaches Iaido at Hitenkai Dojo and is an assistant instructor of Jodo for the Hoshinkai Dojo at the JCCC.

Peter has trained all across North America, starting Iaido and Jodo at Ken-Zen Institute in New York City, and continued training Karate in New England until he moved back to Toronto in 2019. He was selected to the National Iaido Team in 2020, representing Canada at the East Coast Iaido Championship.

With 3 decades of training, Peter has found inspiration in the understanding of human movement, self defence behaviour, and aims to convey this knowledge to the next generation of martial artists

TAISHO - 5D

Etobicoke

I have been practicing with Cruise sensei at the Etobicoke Olympium Kendo Iaido club since 2006. 

I am very thankful for his continued guidance and support as well as to all the other sensei, sempai and friends I have met along the way.  I have attended many seminars and taikai including provincial, regional and national events.

I enjoy the insights gained by learning from visiting sensei at seminars, as well as the push to train to prepare for taikai.  I continue to work towards improving my practice whether Koryu or Zen Ken Ren Iai.

SENPO - 1D

Tokushikai Canada

I’ve been practicing iaido since September 2024 under the guidance of Patrick Suen sensei.

This will be my second chance to compete, having placed second in the ikkyu division at the Ottawa Iaido Taikai in 2025.

My goal is to develop my iai as a lifelong practice and continue enjoying all the unexpected ways it challenges me to grow and improve, both in and outside of the dojo!

I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected as a representative, and will do my best to support my team and the greater iaido community.

JIHO - 2D

Tokushikai Canada

Since joining Tokushikai in 2024, I’ve had the opportunity to meet amazing people who later became close friends, develop my mental and physical strength, and discover a side of myself that I couldn’t have without iai.

I’ve learned about Japanese customs, the importance of gratitude and service to others, and how striving to become a better version of yourself begins with the smallest details.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent both our Eastern team and my dojo. I look forward to continuing my journey and working hard to be able to call myself a proper iaidoka in the future

これからも頑張ります!

CHUKEN - 3D

Tokushikai Canada

Sam has been practicing Iaido for five years, having started with Tokushikai Ottawa’s first introductory workshop.

She has participated in iai-related events in Ottawa, Montreal, Rochester, and NYC.

Iaido has a depth that is not visible until you start, and more is revealed only as you are ready to see it.

It has a way of positively affecting seemingly unrelated aspects of life.

I look forward to seeing where it leads.

FUKUSHO - 4D

Shidokan

I began walking the path at a young age at the Lima Kendo Club in Peru. Later on, after moving to Canada I discovered the Shidokan Kendo & Iaido Club while studying at Concordia University - circa 2007. Encouraged by Santoso Hanitijo Sensei, I joined the Iaido ranks in 2009.

I’ve been active in the iaido community ever since, participating in Seminars and tournaments such as the CNIC 2016, Pan-Am Goodwill Taikai in 2018, Ottawa Iaido Taikai in 2022/24.

I contribute with my dojo as a kendo instructor and a iaido assistant-instructor. Through the years I’ve learned to appreciate how both disciplines complement each other and widen the my overall understanding.

I look forward to continuing learning and discovering many more wonders along the path.

TAISHO - 5D

Etobicoke/Tokushikai

I began practicing Iaido by chance in 2007, and it has since become an important part of my life. This art has allowed me to form valued friendships with Iaidokas and families worldwide, even leading me to meet my husband.

I am incredibly grateful for the kindness of Cruise-sensei and the Etobicoke dojo members who welcomed me with open arms when living in Toronto. 

Meeting Hatakenaka-sensei has been a true blessing; her compassionate guidance has helped me through many challenges. I will carry her teachings forward as a foundation for my lifelong growth as a person.