HOUSTON KENSHIKAN
houston kendo and iaido
houston kendo and iaido
IAIDO
Iaido is the art of drawing the sword. Practice consists of Kata, choreographed forms performed against invisible opponents. All Kata begin and end with the sword sheathed. For some schools, Iaido practice also includes, Tameshigiri, the cutting of materials, such as bamboo, to test a swordsman’s ability to cut.
IAIDO STYLES AT THE HOUSTON KENSHIKAN
Iaido encompasses many styles of swordsmanship. The Houston Kenshikan teaches the styles of Seitei Iaido and Muso Shinden Ryu.
Seitei is a form of modern, standardized Iaido created by the All Japan Kendo Federation to promote Iaido within Kendo Dojos. It is also designed to give students a strong foundation for Koyru, old, classical styles of Iai. While there are only 12 Kata, the Kata may be studied for over a lifetime alone. Under the All US Kendo Federation, members may test for rank, compete, and participate in seminars year wide. In addition, demonstration of Koryu is required in order for students to receive promotion in the higher Dan, black belt, ranks.
Muso Shinden Ryu was established by Nakayama Hakudo in 1932 and has become one of the largest Koryu. Muso Shinden means "transmission of divine vision." Muso Shinden Ryu has a substantial number of Kata compared to Seitei Iaido. It contains 3 levels of Kata: Shoden, Chuden, and Okuden. Though these Kata, one may fully study the various techniques as well as the essence of Iaido as a martial art.
INSTRUCTORS
Mark Kerstein, 5th Dan
Kerstein Sensei has over 40 years of experience in Iaido, as well as in Kendo. Kerstein Sensei regularly attends events on Seitei Iaido.
Shamina Kerstein, 3rd Dan
Shamina is an international champion (Vancouver, 2024) and national champion (Houston, 2025) in Iaido.
Supporting Instructors
Marcus Lee-Steere, 7th Dan
Marcus Lee-Steere Sensei is Renshi 7th Dan Iaido, as well as 6th Dan Jodo. He moved to Houston from Melbourne, Australia, and recently moved back to Australia in 2026.
Joe Sheldon, 5th Dan
Sheldon Sensei originally started in Houston and is based in San Antonio. He has placed repeatedly in National iaido championships.
IAIDO STUDY AT THE HOUSTON KENSHIKAN
Students start their Iaido practice with Seitei Iaido. Beginners usually start with a wooden sword and plastic scabbard and transition to a metal practice sword after learning proper sword handling and basics.
After developing competency of Iaido basics through Seitei, students may begin Koryu: Muso Shinden Ryu. Generally, serious Koryu practice begins after one achieves 3rd Dan.
As Iaido is a companion martial art to Kendo, we recommend students who are serious about studying swordsmanship should study both Iaido and Kendo (and now, Jodo too!). Since a student can always “win” in Iaido against invisible opponents, students who wish to study Iaido at The Houston Kenshikan can start Kendo first and then start Iaido when they get into uniform (20 practices). However, that is only one route and not a rule.
EQUIPMENT IN IAIDO
We recommend a Kendo uniform, which consists of a Gi and Hakama at about $100 for regular practice.
An Iaido uniform includes a Juban (undershirt), in addition to a Gi and Hakama, so a basic uniform will cost around $130.
In addition to a uniform, an Obi (the belt to hold the sword), knee pads, a and sword is needed to practice Iaido. Basic Obi start from $25.
Students may start with a Bokuto, wooden sword, and a Saya, scabbard. This is perhaps the cheapest and safest way to start Iai, but is only recommended for beginners with less than a year of experience. The Dojo has a limited number of Bokuto and Saya to lend. For those who wish to purchase a Bokuto and Saya, they run around $35 each.
Iaido is usually practiced with an Iaito, a metal sword with a dull edge and sharp tip. A good, basic Iaito costs around $650. We order from what we feel is the best Japanese Iaito maker, Nosyudo.
Iaido at a high Dan level may be practiced with a Shinken, a real sword with a sharp edge.