Traditional Japanese swordsmanship · Miami
Miami Budokan is South Florida's home of iaidō. We are a not-for-profit academy preserving the arts of the Japanese sword through an unbroken line of transmission from Japan.
The dojo道場
Miami Budokan is a not-for-profit martial arts and cultural academy housed in the Japan Cultural Center, in Miami's Coral Terrace neighborhood. Our students study the sword seriously and without shortcuts: certified instructors, recognized rank, and a curriculum that connects every class to centuries of practice. Members test and rank through the All United States Kendo Federation.
The arts剣
To draw, to cut, and to return the sword with grace, power, and a calm mind.
Iaidō is the traditional Japanese art of drawing the sword. Practiced through solo forms called kata, it develops precision, posture, and composure under pressure. We teach the standardized Zen Nippon Kendō Renmei (ZNKR) curriculum, the modern international standard used for testing and promotion by the All United States Kendo Federation.
The classical root of the modern art.
Alongside the modern curriculum, we practice Musō Shinden-ryū, a koryū, or "ancient style," of iaidō handed down from teacher to student for generations. Studying a classical school deepens the seitei forms and connects our students directly to the roots of the art in Japan. The chart below traces that line, name by name, from Nakayama Hakudo to our teachers.
Our lineage系譜
Every teacher in this chart received the art from the name above and passed it to the name below. This is the unbroken chain that connects a Saturday class in Coral Terrace to the man who founded modern Musō Shinden-ryū.
Philosophy心
A spirit of self-denial: setting aside ego, preconception, and unchecked emotion so the mind stays clear and free. Kokkishin is the heart of how we train, given to the dojo in 2014 in Kaneda Sensei's own brush, signed and sealed, shown here.
Endurance, patience, and steady effort: in a difficult kata, in a long practice, and in daily life beyond the dojo floor.
A budokan is a hall of martial ways, and a family. Each student pursues their own improvement as part of a worldwide community of practitioners.
Instructors礼
Every Miami Budokan instructor holds fully certified rank and a teaching license in the arts they teach. No self-appointed titles.
Iaidō 8-dan Kyōshi (ZNKR)
Our dojo trains under the guidance of Kaneda Sensei, who holds the rank of 8-dan Kyōshi in the Zen Nippon Kendō Renmei, among the highest certifications in the art. He remains the most decorated competitor in the history of the All Japan Iaidō Championships, with a record eight victories, and serves as Instructor and Shihan at the International Budo University. He entrusted our dojo with its guiding principle, kokkishin, which we carry into every practice.
Head Instructor
Iaidō 5-dan · Kendō 3-dan
Kobudō 6-dan Renshi
Senior Instructor · President
Iaidō 5-dan
Kobudō 4-dan Renshi
Senior Instructor · Treasurer
Iaidō 4-dan · Kendō 2-dan
Kobudō 4-dan Renshi
Instructor
Iaidō 3-dan · Kendō 3-dan
Kobudō 5-dan Renshi
Instructor
Iaidō 3-dan
Kobudō 5-dan Renshi
Membership道
Dojo fees are collected monthly and include all general classes and open practices. There is nothing to sign and nothing to cancel. Membership is month to month, and family discounts are available for multiple members of the same household.
All members register with the All United States Kendo Federation (about $100/year) for insurance, rank testing, and seminar participation.
Guests are welcome to observe a general class, or step onto the floor and try it. Wear comfortable athletic clothing (sweatpants are perfect); we'll take care of the rest. Just contact us before you visit so we know to expect you.
Everyone is welcome here. Miami Budokan is committed to the inclusion and support of all students regardless of race, color, age, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or citizenship.
Journal記
Short, honest writing from our dojo: what we practice, why we practice it, and how to begin.
Schedule稽古
Planning to visit? Contact us first so we know to expect you, then come watch a Wednesday or Saturday class.
The best way to understand iaidō is to see it. Write or call, tell us a little about yourself, and we'll set up your free trial class, or simply invite you to come watch.