Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iaido - Bendigo

26/09/2026

Keep an eye out for our promo in the latest edition of the Maiden Gully Mail, being delivered across Maiden Gully now!

18/09/2026

The Sword and Zen — The Spirituality Dwelling in the Japanese Sword
https://toukenza.jp/en/column/sword-and-zen

In Zen, there is the phrase "the ordinary mind is the Way." It means that enlightenment exists not in some special state of consciousness, but in everyday life itself. What practitioners of iaido seek approaches this state. Not in the tension of waiting, nor in the excitement of drawing—but in that moment when the sword moves naturally and quietly while the mind is still. This is called "mushin," the mind without mind.

Mushin does not mean thinking of nothing. Rather, it is a state of mind in which even when thoughts arise, consciousness does not dwell upon them. The movements of a skilled swordsman appear dance-like and smooth because they are not consciously controlled; rather, years of discipline dwell in the body, and it moves before consciousness can act. This is nothing less than the realization of Zen's "natural state."

18/09/2026

Bendigo Community Health Services are launching the Health Promoting Sports Clubs survey.

It has been developed to identify each Greater Bendigo sports club's needs, priorities and areas of interest relating to health and wellbeing.

Members can complete it here:

10/09/2026

For those looking for some alternative exercises to try between training sessions, this video argues the benefits of adding strength training into your exercise regime.

Strength Training for Kendo and Iaido

Even if kendo or iaido are your main athletic activities, there are...

02/09/2026

Beyond Martial Arts
Looking back on Iaido over the years - a discourse from a beginner, eight years on.
https://www.mjersg.org/post/beyond-martial-arts

"Many start martial arts seeking to pick up self-defense skills or a way to improve health and fitness through a regime of physical activities. There were two reasons why I started on Iaido; the first seeking to better understand and appreciate the katana, and second, a physical activity that doesn't require much space to practice and is something that I could continue regardless of age."

Looking back on Iaido over the years - a discourse from a beginner, eight years on.

23/08/2026

19/08/2026

Awakening
https://www.mjersg.org/post/awakening

In Budo, progress often begins not with bold leaps, but with the patient sowing of effort — daily movements, small corrections, quiet repetitions... Like roots pushing gently through soil, we build the foundation for growth not through force, but through consistency. To begin is to awaken — not only to technique, but to the inner stillness and attention that sustained practice demands.

Growth in Iaido lies not in force but in consistency and patience

13/08/2026

In 2007 members of Hokushin Shinoh Ryu Iaido travelled to Japan on a Cultural Study Tour. It was an incredible trip which included visiting Reigando Cave west of Kumamoto, meditating at Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha, and a tea ceremony in Nagoya. A particular highlight was demonstrating and training on the grounds of Himeji Castle.

11/08/2026

Hasuji: Mastering the Cutting Line in Kenjutsu
https://ploiestikenjutsu.wordpress.com/2025/01/05/hasuji-mastering-the-cutting-line-in-iaido/

Miyamoto Musashi highlights the connection between mental clarity and sword technique: “the way of the sword is like a mirror. If your mind is cloudy, your movement will be confused; if your mind is clear, the cut will reflect it.”

Similarly, Takuan Soho said: “when the blade follows the mind, it encounters resistance. When the mind is empty, the blade advances effortlessly.”

The essence of Hasuji lies in a clean and precise cutting line that arises from a mind free of doubt. Takuan suggests that practitioners should become one with the movement, free from unnecessary thoughts.