About Ji Kai Iaido

Who is the site dedicated to?

This website is dedicated to Soke Shogo Kuniba (1935-1992) and my Sensei, Terrell (Bucho) Lambert (Shihan)

What is Ji Kai Iaido?

Ji Kai Iaido is the Japanese sword art segment of Ji Kai Martial Arts.

Who started this dojo?

Sensei Terrell Lambert started the dojo in 1992.
It is comprised of Shito ryu karate, kobudo (classical Japanese weapons) goshindo (self defense) and iaido.
Sensei Lambert trained under, learned and promised to carry on the teachings of Soke Shogo Kuniba.

What is Kuniba Ha?

Kuniba Ha Iaido is the name used to designate the version of iaido that was taught by
Soke Shogo Kuniba to his students. Soke Kuniba studied Mugai Ryu Iaido under Soke Ishii Gogetsu
the 14th Soke of Mugai Ryu.

When and where are classes held?

Classes are held in the North Mobile (Alabama) YMCA building at 92 Saraland Loop Saraland AL.
Class times are 730pm – 830pm on Wednesday night.

Who may attend?

Classes are open to students over age 16, visitors and guests; with your first lesson always free.
Please be on time, quiet and respectful.

What are the dojo fees?

The monthly dojo fee:

Individual students		$30 per month
Family rates:
Two or more from the same family		$40 per month
Three or more from the same family		$50 per month
YMCA Member fees are:		$25 per month
Two or more from the same family		$30 per month
Three or more from the same family		$40 per month

What do I need for class?

Initially students need to wear loose clothing and have a bokken . As training progresses: an obi,dogi,hakama and iaito are required.   Loaner bokken are available for new students.

Who teaches the classes?

Classes are taught either by Sensei Gene Gabel or Sensei Lambert.

Are there rank designations and can you earn a black belt?

Yes, after training you will be able to test and progress through different ranks within the dojo.
These ranks and their qualifiers are outlined in the student handbook

Is there a student handbook and what is in it?

Yes, a student handbook is available that contains all the basic information you will need for classes.
It contains history, waza (kata), dojo rules, rank requirements, terminology and much more.

What weapons are used in class?

Bokken (wooden sword), shoto and iaito (non sharp swords) are the swords used in our classes.
Sharp swords (shinken) are used when tameshigiri (cutting) is done.
Tameshigiri is practiced by the higher ranks and under very controlled and safe conditions.

Who are the Dojo affiliations?

We are an authorized study group of Jikishin-Kai International Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu
under Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi, 8th dan Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido(Iaijutsu)
7th dan Shindo Muso-Ryu Jojutsu, 7th dan Nippon Karate-do-kai.
Our advisor is Carl Long Renshi, 7th dan Shorin Ryu Karate, 6th dan Shito Ryu Karate,6th dan Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu
Iaijutsu, 5th dan Okinawa Kobudo,4th dan Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu.
We are also members of the International Matsumura Seito Society under Soke Dave Shelton, PhD, 10th Dan/Kaicho/Hanshi.