About us

Shidokan Kendo Club was founded by Mr. Tamaichi (Douglas) Funamoto, 7th Dan Kyoshi, in 1974. It began as a part of 'Shidokan International', formerly known as 'Shidokan Academy of Martial Arts', which was founded by Judo instructor Mr. Nakamura in 1968. It wasn't until 1987 when Iaido instruction was officially introduced by Judo and Iaido Legend: Mr. Fred Y. Okimura. The communion of Shidokan into a Kendo and Iaido club is largely due to the hard work and dedication of Santoso Hanitijo, Robert Miller, and Dean Jolly, and it is this union that has helped our club grow and thrive.

Shidokan's primary location is at Concordia University's Loyola Campus, where both Iaido and Kendo are practised under the guidance of our chief instructor, Santoso Hanitijo Sensei. A second location for Iaido was eventually opened in the west side of the island, at John Abbott College by Robert Miller Sensei, and is now led by Dean Jolly Sensei. Recently, one of our sempai has also helped the spread of Iaido by starting to teach it at a third location on the North Shore.

Dean Jolly Sensei has taken on the role of organizing this tournament, with the help and support of many of our members. We hope to make the Canadian National Iaido Championship a great opportunity to bring together Iaido practitioners from all over the country so we can learn from each other, challenge each other to keep improving, and make our community stronger as a whole.

July 27 2016

Taikai Simulation and Volunteer Training

Shidokan is gearing up for the 2nd Canadian National Iaido Championships, to be held this fall in Montreal at our John Abbott location. In preparation for the event, our Loyola and John Abbott locations joined together for a class dedicated to taikai simulation. We also used the opportunity to prepare our volunteers for the upcoming championships.

Thank you to both Santoso Sensei and Dean Sensei for all of your hard work, dedication, and guidance in helping us to prepare for the nationals and grading.