About the club

Hagakure Fudoshin West Country was founded by chief instructor Mick Simmonett, 4th Dan, in 2002. The club is officially recognised to teach the arts of Iaido and Jodo by the British Kendo Assocation (BKA).
The style of Iaido practiced at the club is Muso Shinden Ryu, one of the main styles of Iaido in Japan, with particular emphasis on the 12 Seitei kata, or training forms, of the ZNKR (the All Japan Kendo Association).
In addition, there is regular tuition in the older Koryu forms of Iaido, along with other aspects of Japanese swordsmanship.
The club is named after the Hagakure, a 17th century treatise on the code of the samurai, and Fudoshin, which means a stable mind, unswayed by ego and emotion – qualities definitely needed for Iaido. The club is very friendly and welcomes beginners. No special equipment or clothing is needed to start Iaido, just a willingness to learn. Please get in touch if you have any questions or watch a class.