Iaido Workshop with Seishinkan
Step into the world of Japanese swordsmanship with this immersive Iaido workshop, led by Chris Mansfield, founder of Seishinkan Dojo and a pioneer of Iaido in the UK. Iaido is a graceful martial art that focuses on the precise, controlled movements of drawing, cutting, and resheathing a sword — a practice that harmonises body, mind, and spirit.
In this 50-minute session, you’ll learn the foundational techniques of Iaido and witness a 10-minute live demonstration showcasing the elegance and discipline of this traditional art. This workshop is suitable for beginners from 18 years old.
What to Expect:
- Learn the core techniques of Iaido, including drawing, cutting, and resheathing the sword
- Understand the four essential components of Kata (forms): Nukitsuke, Kiritsuke, Chiburi, and Noto
- Watch an inspiring demonstration by experienced Iaido practitioners
- Get a glimpse into the philosophy and history of Japanese swordsmanship
What to Wear:
To fully enjoy the session, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing like jogging bottoms or leggings that cover the knees.
Health & Safety:
By purchasing a ticket, you confirm that you (or the participant) have no known health conditions or injuries that could pose a risk during training. If you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional before participating.
Schedule:
| 20th Sunday: | Iaido Sunday 1 SOLD OUT | 13:00-14:00 |
| Iaido Sunday 2 SOLD OUT | 15:30-16:30 |
Special Notes:
* This workshop is suitable for beginners from 18 years old.
* You will need a separate HYPER JAPAN Festival 2025 ticket for the same date.
Seishinkan Iaido and Jodo Dojo
In September 1978 while Chris Mansfield was living in London, he started Iaido under Sensei Len Bean (2nd Dan Iaido) of the Hagakure Dojo which at that time was the only dojo practicing Iaido actively in the U. K. Numbers of members were small and the only Iai known were the forms called Seitei Iaido. Competitions or grading were unheard of but, once in a while the club was asked to do demonstrations for the public.
In the spring of 1980 Chris Mansfield went on a three-week holiday to Japan to practice at Kawasaki dojo.
Upon his return to London, Chris decided that he would like to start his own dojo where he could practice for himself. He had felt at that time the impact of learning Iai from a Japanese teacher was a profound influence and needed to be consolidated. He continued practicing at the London Nautical School under Bean Sensei and in April 1981 he found a local scout hall which was adequate and started sessions.
After a short while other Budo people came along and asked to join the classes and so the club was started. In those days it was called Ealing Iaido Dojo.
The following year when he returned to Japan, the name SEISHINKAN was chosen for the Ealing dojo as most appropriate. It means correct mind dojo or good heart dojo. Since that time various members have come and gone, but the dojo has remained resilient throughout its 44 year history, even when Chris Mansfield went to live in Japan for 11 years from 1996 - 2007.
Seishinkan has proudly lived up to its name and produced many members who have represented their dojo and country nationally and internationally respectively. Those people continue to help the Budo community in various roles to promote Budo as a lifelong philosophy.
Today apart from the Honbu (main) dojo in Ealing there is a sub dojo in the Tooting, London. Whilst still small it is good to know that the quality of people practicing is still high.
