Aikido de la Montagne, in addition to teaching aikido, follows the tradition of teaching iaido as an independent art. The dojo regularly offers introductory sessions in iaido to beginners from 15 years of age and up. These sessions start on a fixed date and last for 3 months. Please consult our schedule, and if necessary, contact us to find out whether it is possible to start at another time.
Under the direction of the chief instructor, Claude Berthiaume, the introductory sessions allow you to develop a solid base to progress in the art of drawing the sword, attacking an adversary, and sheathing the sword again. Beyond physical exercise, iaido demands intense mental concentration.
During the introductory period you have access to two classes per week. After a first trial class, it is necessary to only wear a white gi (judo or karate style) but if you continue a hakama (skirt-pants worn by the samourai class) will be necessary. As for the iaito (steel-bladed sword), we encourage you to get one relatively soon to deepen your practice. If you do not have an iaito, we can lend you a bokken (wooden sword) until you get one.