Genwakan | 厳和館 | Alameda Iaido

The quality of any martial arts training depends largely on the dojo in which it is practiced. And the dojo is a reflection of the Sensei that leads it. Mikhail Sensei leads Alameda Iaido and Genwakan Iaido Dojō with such a humble grace, always putting his students first, regardless of rank or experience while exhibiting a true understanding and remarkable prowess with the sword. That, coupled with an unflagging dedication to the direct transmission of this 450 year old art form and a meticulous scrutiny in his own practice make Alameda Iaido and Genwakan Iaido dojō the perfect place to train, learn and grow as a martial artist interested in Japanese swordsmanship. Mikhail Sensei goes out of his way to help students achieve their maximum potential and has never ever allowed ego or pettiness to make its way into the dojo either on or off the mat. His encyclopedic knowledge of all things related to this school of swordsmanship is shared generously and I personally have benefitted man...

Though I am located in Vancouver and train under Hiro Inoue sensei, I have had the privilege to train with Mikhail sensei as well in person, and online over the last 15 + years. Despite residing in different countries, we always pick up where we left off as if no time has past. Mikhail Sensei is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to Iaido, but doesn’t wear that on his sleeve. He is a person of humility who never asks others what dan ranking they are, does not advertise is own rank, and most certainly never holds his own rank over others. I found that when teaching, he has always been kind, open minded, and understanding, which are traits that I still need to master when instructing my own students. I found him to be loyal to fellow sensei (including mine) and treated all of our members in Vancouver as friends, regardless of rank. He is always attending Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kokusai Renmei events, all over the world, which clearly demonstrates a significant c...

Mikhail Sensei is one of the most knowledgeable and humble practitioners of Iaido I have ever met. I have learned so much from him over the years and always enjoyed practice with him. He is extremely committed to the direct and unaltered teaching of MJER Iaido, and holding himself and students to a high standard of adherence to the teachings of our school. Personally, I have enjoyed each opportunity to socialize with Mikhail Sensei around seminars at the social gatherings and gained much from his appreciation of martial arts and Japanese culture. I look forward to the next time I get to practice Iaido with Mikhail Sensei and his students. I would recommend his dojo to anyone who wants to learn Iaido and become part of the wider IKR MJER Iaido community.