A great way to experience some of Japan’s culture is to participate in martial arts lessons. Each of these different forms of martial arts have different philosophies and goals that they teach. The most well-known forms of martial arts originating in Japan are Karate, Kendo, Judo, and Aikido. Jarrett Sensei is also the President and Chief Instructor for many martial arts organizations.Many countries around the world have their own forms of martial arts. He now travels the world refereeing, coaching, training, and teaching. A former National Champion and Karate All-American himself, he has trained numerous national, international, and world Karate champions. Throughout those years, he has sought out and trained with some of the foremost martial arts experts in the world. Master Roger Jarrett has over 40 years experience of studying, teaching, training and competing in the martial arts. Some of Kiyoshi Yamazaki’s big screen credits include movies such as “Dragon Heart” and “Conan The Barbarian.” With Kiyoshi Yamazaki’s busy schedule, he appointed top student Roger Jarrett Sensei to take charge of the International Iai Tate Do Federation. Some of his celebrity students include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sting, Richard Hatch, Sandra Bergman, Wilt Chamberlain, Bridget Nelson and Grace Jones. Yamazaki Sensei found himself attracted by producers in Hollywood and as a result, he has served as a technical advisor, instructor and even acted in several movies. Iai Tate Do was founded by Kiyoshi Yamazaki Sensei, a dedicated martial artist with a lifetime of experience in a number of martial arts. Based on this vision, the birth of Suio-ryu or Water Gull Sword style arose.

He realized he could now use his sword in the same effortless manner. In his twentieth year of exertions he was struck with a vision of white gulls floating effortlessly and without conscious thought on water. Yoichizaemon’s perseverance in both his physical and spiritual training led to his eventual enlightenment.

Suio-ryu was founded by Mima Yoichizaemon Kagenobu in the early Edo period (circa 1615). Due to its formation during the tumultuous Sengoku Jidai, a time of feudal war, the school’s techniques are based on battlefield experience and revolve around finding weak points in the opponent’s armor.

Kashima Shinto-ryu was founded by Tsukahara Bokuden in the late Muromachi period of Japan (circa 1530). However, Iai tate do is mainly based on the Kashima Shinto-ryu and Suio-ryu systems. This culmination includes such Koryu as Omori-ryu and Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu. It is the culmination of a number of traditional Koryu or traditional Japanese school of martial arts. Iai Tate Do literally translates as the way of mental presence coming together in the battlefield.

Iaido martial art stances