02/10/2026
In Memoriam: Kim Taylor, Iaido Renshi 7-Dan; Jodo Renshi 7-Dan
Kim Taylor sensei, a tireless builder of Canadian Iaido and Jodo and a beloved teacher, passed away in February 2026. Widely recognized for his decades-long dedication to Canadian budo community, Taylor sensei was instrumental in building and nurturing both Iaido and Jodo in Canada since the mid 1980s.
Taylor sensei founded the Sei Do Kai Iaido and Jodo Club (1987), organized the first Canadian Iaido grading (1991) and founded the longest running Iaido and Jodo seminar in North America (Guelph Spring Seminar). Taylor sensei’s enthusiasm for the martial arts built meaningful connections between people. He spread his knowledge of the arts using early internet newsletters, published articles, websites, workshops, and seminars. These connections encouraged and mentored students and instructors in Canada, the United States, and many countries in Central and South America.
Kim Taylor sensei was an active member of the Canadian Kendo Federation as a CKF Board member, former CKF Secretary, former head of the CKF Jodo section and previous Vice President of the Ontario Kendo Federation.
The Canadian Iaido and Jodo community mourns his passing and celebrates a life dedicated to building the arts. His martial arts legacy lives on, remembered and passed forward through those he taught and inspired.
07/20/2023
The Ontario leg of the Niten Ichi Ryu / Kageryu seminar was a success! We just dropped Colin Hyakutake Watkin Sensei at the airport! Thank you to all who attended. I look forward to doing it all again soon!
11/10/2022
Hi Everyone,
Long time no talk.
We have a bit of a problem. The in-person section of Seidokai at the University of Guelph is on probation. The in-person classes are canceled until we can get more student members to join up. If you, or anyone you know is interested in joining, I encourage you to sign up. There is no requirement to come to every class. Just come when you can. We have loaner weapons available. Hope to be back in-person again soon.
Thanks,
Rachel
10/07/2020
Hello Everyone,
After careful deliberations, the Japanese Sword Arts club at the University of Guelph (SeiDoKai) will not be holding in-person classes for the fall semester (Sept - Dec). This decision was based of the increased COVID-19 case numbers in Ontario, and the recent cases found on the University of Guelph Campus. I believe that keeping everyone safe is our priority, given the longterm effects COVID-19 has on survivors of the disease.
In the meantime, we have some online resources available to keep everyone interested and practising.
Our Sensei, Kim Taylor, is also holding online classes. The link can be found here.
https://seidokai.ca/
There are also videos made by our club for home training purposes. If you do not own a bokken or jo, you can purchase one or you can use any sort of stick for solo practise.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCWvVpaErct59ecUdp7blhA
Hopefully these will tide you over until in-person classes can begin again. I will update everyone again closer to the winter semester, where we will reconsider the issue under the hopefully better circumstances.
Author! Author! Sei Do Kai homepage
Instruction and equipment for the Japanese sword arts such as iaido, kendo, kenjutsu and jodo. Featuring journals, videos, manuals, wooden martial arts weapons, and uniforms.
03/13/2020
The university of guelph is shutting down all club activities until April 5th. Stay safe, stay home.
11/10/2019
Class canceled tomorrow. Pam and Kim are at a seminar. Class will resume again on tuesday.
11/06/2019
Why Japanese Swords Are So Expensive | So Expensive
Japanese sword-making is a tradition that goes back centuries, and one that’s carried on to this day. Each sword takes dedication, skill and can take over 18...
10/25/2019
Class cancelled tonight for the Peterborough Seminar.
There should be substitute teachers for Sunday class.
09/09/2019
We're switching to regular Fall semester hours
Tuesday 9-11pm Jodo
Friday 7-9pm Iaido
Sunday 1-4pm Jodo/Iaido
Come check us out in Room 302, UofG Athletics Center!