Musokai is led by senior practitioners who came up through the same path our beginners start on, and who still train under visiting teachers of higher rank.
How teaching works here
We are a small dojo, and teaching is hands-on. Beginners are usually paired with a senior student or instructor for their first forms while the rest of the group works on their own material. Corrections are direct and frequent — that's the fastest way to learn — and always given in the spirit of helping you build something solid.
Seminars and visiting teachers
Rank and depth in iaido come partly from regular seminars led by high-ranking instructors. Each year our members attend regional events, including PNKF seminars and taikai, where teachers of Kyoshi 7th and 8th dan lead training, judge gradings (shinsa) and give corrections that shape the year's practice. Recent seminars have featured guest instructors such as Shozo Kato Sensei (Iaido Kyoshi 7th dan) alongside other senior teachers of the federation.
All certificates of rank are issued under the authority of the Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation (PNKF) and, through it, the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF). Grading is taken seriously and on a common standard, so your rank means the same thing across the federation.
Want to meet us?
The simplest introduction is to come and watch a class. We're happy to talk before or after training about what we do and whether it might suit you. See the Contact page for where and when, or read Your First Class to know what to expect.