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We welcome all prospective members!
KNOW
KNOW
Iaido focuses on the precise art of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword through individual kata practice with an unsharpened blade. Mastery of iaido demands exceptional control, concentration, and awareness, as practitioners must engage imaginary opponents with the same spirit and accuracy as if facing real adversaries. The discipline's emphasis on attention to detail and various scenarios makes it particularly fascinating.
VALUE
VALUE
Iaido and kendo share common elements such as blade angle, inner strength, and grip, despite iaido having unique components like drawing and re-sheathing the katana.
Deepening one's understanding of iaido kata can enhance concepts like pressure, timing, and distance in kendo practice.
Iaido serves as a valuable teaching aid for kendo, as it helps maintain the true spirit and intensity of martial arts, which some feel is diminishing in modern kendo.
History
History
Iaido comprises various ryu-ha styles with numerous techniques, making it impractical to learn them all.
To address this, the All Japan Kendo Federation selected essential techniques from different ryu-ha and combined them into 12 standardized forms called Seitei Iaido Kata, introduced in 1968.
These kata serve to promote and popularize iaido among kenshi, assessing their proficiency in tests and tournaments.
While similar to kendo kata, iaido kata are solo practices, and further study may involve delving into ko-ryu styles like Muso Shinden Ryu for more advanced techniques and spiritual aspects of iaido. We practice Muso Shinden Ryu.
Tribute to Nishiura sensei
Tribute to Nishiura sensei
Nishiura Sensei served for many years as the head instructor of the Palo Alto Iaido Kai.
Through decades of dedication, he rose to the distinguished ranks of Iaido 6‑dan and Kendo Kyoshi 7‑dan.
His presence was defined by quiet toughness, steady resilience, and a kindness that revealed itself in action more than words.
He devoted himself not only to his own growth and that of his students, but also to strengthening and expanding the Iaido community throughout Northern California.
To those who trained with him, Nishiura Sensei was a model of discipline and devotion.
Generations of practitioners felt his influence, whether through a single correction that stayed with them for years or through the patient guidance he offered over decades.
Those who knew him well knew he never said “good‑bye”—only “see you tomorrow.”
Nishiura Sensei passed away on December 12, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him deeply.
About
About
Palo Alto Iaido Kai is a branch of Palo Alto Kendo Dojo.
We are affiliated regionally with the Northern California Kendo Federation and nationally with the All United States Kendo Federation.
Palo Alto Iaido welcomes people of all skill levels who are interested in learning iaido and jodo in the SF Bay Area.
Profile
Profile
Sergey Zalubovsky
Sergey Zalubovsky
Head Instructor
Head Instructor
全米剣道連盟 （居合道）
五段
Iaido 5 Dan
全米剣道連盟 （剣道）
三段
Kendo 3 Dan
Sergey Zalubovsky is an iaido instructor at the Northern California Kendo Federation. He is a 5th Dan in iaido and a 3rd Dan in kendo.
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