LAS VEGAS — Iaido is one of the oldest traditional martial arts, known for its emphasis on quick strikes, drawing the sword, and re-sheathing it with precision. This practice has deep roots in Japanese culture and is often seen as a form of mental discipline and personal growth.
Stephen Parr, the head instructor of Makiba Dojo, is dedicated to preserving and teaching iaido in the valley. With 23 years of experience in this style, Parr plays a vital role in keeping the tradition alive. His dojo is based on a specific style that originated in Himeji, Japan, near Osaka.
“Our particular style, the headquarters are in Himeji, Japan, a little outside of Osaka. So, being able to keep the cultural aspect of this falls on us quite a bit. We’ve lost a few things of the style over the years just because a lot of the senseis are getting older and they don’t get as many students in Japan,” Parr said. “I think we have more students in the U.S. than we even do in Japan. So there’s a real fear in losing some of these styles.”
Iaido dates back to the 1500s and 1600s in Japan, where it was originally used for combat. Over time, it has evolved into a practice that focuses on mental discipline, control, and personal development. For beginners, the focus is on learning the basics—how to draw the sword, how to cut properly, and how to handle the blade with respect.
“So I have beginner classes that I do, and this is learning how to do the basics, learning how to draw, learning how to cut with the blade, proper way to handle the blade, and always respecting the blade,” Parr explained.
Marcus Cartin, another member of the dojo, emphasizes the importance of control and fluidity when practicing iaido. He notes that maintaining a calm mindset is essential during the movements.
“The movements are … You want to be calm when you’re doing Iaido with the sword because if you’re tense and if you have stuff going on in your head, when you’re doing a slash or a cut, you start shaking,” Cartin advised.
For Cartin, the most rewarding part of iaido is the connection with the sword itself. “My favorite part would probably be using the sword, the katana, but I really love the people here. They are very welcoming, and it didn’t take me long to fit in and feel like family,” he shared.
Katrina Ramos found that iaido offered more than just physical training. “I was interested in Iaido because it provided structure in my life. I just came off of college sports and college itself and moved back home, so I’ve been trying to find something to be part of again,” she said.
“I think it allows me to focus more, just taking that step back, breathing and then continuing my task forward,” Ramos added. For her, iaido became a way to reintegrate into a community and regain a sense of purpose.
Preserving the traditions of iaido while enjoying the practice is a key goal for the Makiba Dojo. “Last year, I took 14 of my students to Japan with me, and we went over there and got to train with Japanese senseis, got to do a taikai and get together and perform on stage. It was a lot of fun. So, us being part of the Japanese school, we try to keep it as traditional as possible,” Parr said.
The Makiba Dojo offers classes for students aged 18 and older. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon in Henderson. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the dojo provides a welcoming environment for all.
For more information about the Makiba Dojo and its programs, visit http://lasvegasiaido.com/.
