I tried several online Iaido training programs before arriving at Tenshinkai and beginning to study Mugai Ryu. I can tell you from personal experience that this is by far the best program available, for the following reasons:
1. The full course is clearly laid out for you so you always know where you are at and where you are going in your training.
2. The videos are very high quality. Luciano-sensei does an excellent job of demonstrating and explaining every detail of each technique clearly and precisely, braking down each movement so you can understand it easily. You can really tell that he put his whole heart into creating this program, as he mentions in one of his videos. Additionally, all the videos can be cast to a television if you wish to do it that way.
3. There is a clearly defined process to submit your work for correction and feedback, as well as registering for your examinations.
4. They provide great support for online students. Both Luciano-sensei and Simon-senpai will always respond to your emails within a reasonable timeframe.
5. They have made it very easy to enter into the program through a 3-step process. First, you can sign up for a free trial version, where you gain access to a selection of the basic beginner videos for 2-weeks. You can use this time to see if you want to pursue this program. Second, you can purchase a 2-month starter pack for a very reasonable price, which gives you access to all of the beginner videos, so you can dive in even deeper. Third, by now if you decide to commit to the program, you can purchase the annual membership at an astonishingly reasonable price, and begin your training seriously.
6. When you study Mugai Ryu, you are not studying some conglomeration of different forms and techniques from different schools. This is an integral school of swordsmanship. Also, this is not one of those later systems that is untested in real combat. Mugai Ryu has its roots way back in Feudal Japan, when it was actually used as a true system of marshal combat.
7. Mugai Ryu has a very deep and rich spiritual and philosophical aspect that undergirds and permeates the whole system. This is one of the greatest things about it, because it helps you grow as a person and not just as a practitioner.
8. If you need additional help or coaching, it is very easy to schedule a one-on-one session with either Luciano-sensei, or Simon-senpai. And they do everything they can to pour as much value into the time as possible.
9. As I mentioned already, this program is astonishingly affordable compared to many other online Iaido programs.
10. Finally, with this program you can truly learn and progress at your own pace. There is no scolding or penalty for going slow, and there is no limit to how quickly you can progress. It is truly up to you and how much training you can fit into your schedule.
I started with the free enrollment and really enjoyed it, so I purchased the 2-month starter pack. Luciano-sensei assisted me with purchasing my Dogi from Japan, and by the time I finished my 2-months, I was ready to take the first examination, which I scheduled with ease. When I finished my 2-month starter pack, I purchased the annual membership, and a week later, I took my first exam and passed.
If you’re interested in learning Iaido, and the way of the Japanese sword, but you don’t have access to an in-person school, this online program is by far the best option available. If you are not from Europe, you don’t need to be concerned about paying the tuition in euros. The conversion rate to USD is not much different, and Paypal does it for you automatically.
Don’t wait! Enroll today! You’ll be glad you did!
Sincerely,
Shane Morgan
