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...

The Vancouver Iaido Club is an official dojo of 一般社団法人　正統正流無雙直傳英信流居合道国際連盟 - Ippan shadan hojin Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Kokusai Renmei (World Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido Federation). Although we are associated with the World MJER, we do not speak for them and this opinion is of the Vancouver Iaido Club and members who have interacted with Mikhail sensei and members of his dojo. We are affiliated with Alameda Iaido/Emeryville Iaido and Genwakan through our parent organization, and we fully support this dojo and the dojo head - Mikhail Sensei. Over the years, we have found Mikhail sensei to be knowledgeable, kind hearted, and very dedicated to the study of Iaido. He has been passing on that knowledge and wisdom to his students, and despite being the head of his dojo, we found that he is very open minded and continually striving to practice, and train to improve himself. Through his numerous contributions, we are very fortunate to have Mikhail sensei as a membe...

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...