All Japan Iaido Federation
| Founded | 1948 |
|---|---|
| Type | Martial Arts organization |
Official language | Japanese |
Key people | President Ikeda Seikō |
The Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei (ZNIR) or All Japan Iaido Federation (全日本居合道連盟 abbreviated 全日居 "Zen Nichi I" or 全居連 "Zen I Ren") is a national non-governmental organization in Japan, founded in 1948[1] by Ikeda Hayato (later Prime Minister of Japan). The ZNIR was officially formed and registered with the government in May 5, 1954 by Iaido practitioners from multiple styles.[2] The ZNIR is Japan's first and oldest Iaido-only specialist organization, and holds yearly National Kyoto Iaido Tournaments in Kyoto, Japan, typically on May 3 to May 5.
Structure
ZNIR has ten Chiku Renmei (districts):[3]
- Kantō region
- Kinki region
- Chūbu region
- Tōkai region
- Chūgoku region
- Shikoku region
- Kyushu/Okinawa region
- Hokuriku region
- Tōhoku region
- Hokkaido region
Styles
The ZNIR contains multiple traditional styles within the Federation:[3]
- Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū
- Sekiguchi-ryū
- Shinkage-ryū
- Musō Shinden-ryū
- Mugai-ryū
- Shinden-ryū
- Hōki-ryū
- Araki Muninsai-ryū
Events
Other than the Kyoto Iaido Taikai(tournament) in May, the ZNIR also holds a Zenkoku Kyōgi Taikai in the fall of every year. Also, each Chiku Renmei(district) holds their own local Iaido tournament and exam.[3]
Ranking System
The All Japan Iaido Federation grants ranks similarly to other Japanese Martial Arts Organizations, with Dan and Shōgō (titles) both granted to practitioners once they reach certain levels of competency and skill.
After Mudansha (no rank), there are:
- Sho Dan (1 rank)
- Ni Dan (2 rank)
- San Dan (3 rank)
- Yon Dan or Yo Dan (4 rank)
- Go Dan (5 rank)
- Roku Dan (6 rank)
- Renshi (錬士 or "Polished/Forged Instructor")
- Nana Dan or Shichi Dan (7 rank)
- Kyoshi (教士 or "Advanced Senior Teacher")
- Hachi Dan (8 rank)
- Jun Hanshi (準範士 or "Associate Hanshi")
- Hanshi (範士 or "Senior expert")
- Kyu Dan or Ku Dan (9 rank)
- Jū Dan (10 rank)
Like other martial arts organizations, Shōgō (title) are granted, however they are considered to be levels or rankings similarly to Dan, and are typically granted between the various Dan levels above Roku Dan.
For example, after Roku Dan and a certain amount of time has passed, the practitioner will test for Renshi at their next grading.
History
Founded in 1948.
Officially formed in 1954.
Established 全日本居合道連盟刀法(Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei Tōhō) in 1956.
References
- ↑ Saskatoon Kendo Club - How did Iaido Originate?
- ↑ Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei - All Japan Iaido Federation
- 1 2 3 "一般社団法人 居合道情報センター 全日本居合道連盟について". All Japan Iaido Federation (ZNIR).