You can find all the frequently asked questions about the Fūgetsudō Association and our dōjō below:

1. Is iaidō suitable for me?

Yes, if you don’t have any health problems and / or a physical condition that makes it hard to move, you can practise iaidō without a problem. Keep in mind that practising iaidō can be hard on knees, because there are many forms that start from the sitting position (seiza) on the floor. But in iaidō, you don’t have an opponent like in kendō or other martial arts; therefore, there is no sparring involved in daily practice.

2. Can I visit and observe the training anytime?

You are welcome every Saturday afternoon to watch our training or try iaidō briefly. But training locations and times might change due to the Gemeente Amsterdam sports department’s activities. Please check our Times & Locations page, and also contact us before visiting the dōjō. So we can inform you about the most updated training times and location, and prepare extra material for you to try iaidō, in case you find it interesting.

3. Do you offer beginner courses?

We organise beginner courses twice a year. Check out our announcements or contact us to learn more details.

4. Is iaidō only for men?

For iaidō, gender is irrelevant. Any gender can practise iaidō and welcome in our dōjō.

5. Is iaidō only for adults?

Generally in Europe, everyone from 15 years old and above can practise iaidō. In Japan, you can start even at a younger age. However, at the Fūgetsudō dōjō, we only accept 18 years old and above.

6. Are there any gradings and competitions in iaidō similar to kendō, aikidō or karate?

Yes, there are local, national and international grading examinations and competitions for iaidō.

The grades are called “dan”, and the highest dan level in iaidō is 8th Dan.

You can compete in tournaments with people at your level. There are national competitions in the Netherlands and European competitions organised every year in different European countries.

7. Can I use iaidō for self-defence?

While iaidō is not primarily focused on self-defence, it does teach valuable skills such as awareness, quick reflexes, and precise movements. These skills can be beneficial in self-defence situations, although iaidō itself is more about personal development than combat training.

8. Do I need to buy equipment in advance?

To try once or to join the beginners course, you don’t need to buy a sword, we will provide it for you. You can wait until you decide that you want to continue practising iaidō. If you are willing to continue, then you ask your instructor for advice about online stores and the correct sizing, etc.

9. Do I need to buy special clothes in advance?

You can wait for buying special iaidō clothes until you decide that you want to continue practising iaidō. Until then you may practise with comfortable clothes or sportswear. But for kneeling techniques, you will need a pair of knee protectors of your own.

10. Do you use real swords for practice?

Not at the beginning. Beginners start with a wooden sword (bokutō). If you decide that you want to continue practising iaidō, you can buy your own wooden sword. And after some regular practising in the dōjō, you can discuss with your instructor to buy a practice sword (iaitō), which is a replica of real Japanese swords (katana).

11. Do I need a gun permit to use the sword?

No, according to the Netherland’s Weapons Act, any adult may possess a sword. You may also transport it, provided it is packed in such a way that it cannot be easily drawn out.

12. Are there any rules in the dojo that everyone must follow?

Yes, please read our Dōjō Etiquette.

13. How frequently do I need to train?

It depends on each person’s needs. We train twice a week, two hours each time. But we also participate in extra training sessions or seminars almost every month, as we consider this as the minimum for our personal development.

It is possible to train once a week as well, but making improvements might be difficult, thus causing loss of motivation in the long run.

14. How can I become a member?

Becoming a member of the Fūgetsudō Association is very easy. You can fill in an application form, and the management returns to you in a few days. Before making an application, please read the rules and regulations carefully.

15. How can I end my membership?

Termination of your membership is also simple, you only need to send an email to the management with your request.

16. I used to do iaidō in the past, can I immediately become a member?

Yes, but before filling the application form, please contact us to discuss your situation.

17. What do we expect from you?

If you become interested in iaidō and want to practise for a long time, that would make us more than happy. If you also show commitment and have fun in the meanwhile, we would be delighted to accommodate you, and convey all our knowledge and information to you to support your healthy development.

Since iaidō is very technical and elaborate, we would like you to stay focused and relaxed, and practise regularly. In iaidō you never stop learning, and it is good if you are willing to push your own limits (mentally and physically) and continue to improve yourself.

18. I have more specific questions, how can I ask?

You can ask any questions by filling the form at the contact page or calling the given numbers directly.