Agassiz Dojo

Welcome to the Agassiz Dojo

夢想神伝流居合道 ファーゴノースダコタの道場によこそう！

Please take off your shoes and come into the dojo for a visit.

Introducing KENDO - Japanese fencing!

The Agassiz Dojo, serves the Fargo, North Dakota, Moorhead, Minnesota area. We are a traditional Japanese sword martial art school teaching the approved Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei seitei (standard) iaido kata as well as the traditional koryu Musoshindenryu style of iaido. Additionally, we practice seitei jodo, which is based on Shindo Muso-ryu jodo.

Kendo adds a sporting aspect to the Japanese sword arts. Kendo is essentially free, full contact sparring, with a flexible bamboo sword and protective armor. This class introduces students to the sport and shared etiquette of the sword. Beginners start with shinai training to learn the basics of sword handling, movement, strikes, and etiquette. As a student progresses, they'll put on the armor, and start sparring. Typically it will take a few (3-4) months of shinai and kihon (basics) practice before being able begin sparring.

Specific class information and scheduls can be found on our sister site FargoSword.com page.

The about section of this site explains what iaido is, the kata we learn, and some of the terminology associated with Japanese martial arts and iaido specifically.

The dojo section provides information on how to visit the dojo, class times and fees, and information about the Sensei.

News about class, our dojo, upcoming and past events can be found on our Facebook page.

Though we use Facebook mostly now, there are a few articles in our Blog that may still be of interest.

Apart from the benefits of regular exercise and stretching, learning iaido gives us a small insight into the culture and tradition of Japan. Rich in history, etiquette, and discipline, iaido not only teaches us some of the techniques found in Japanese swordsmanship, but also the more spiritual aspects of Japanese Bushido. Iaido takes a lot of patience and repetition to start to understand the meanings within the kata, and also control and awareness that comes from practicing with a Japanese katana.

Because of the breathing, muscle toning, and these more spiritual aspects of iaido, some people liken it to, "yoga with swords."

Kendo adds the elements of action-reaction, timing, speed, distance to what the practitioner learns in iaido. It puts the person in the room (which is missing in iaido), and allows a safe, competetive element to the study of the sword. Both arts complement each other quite well, and many people practice both.

Have a nice visit, and thanks for stopping by!