Cut through
the grind
and find
your zen mind
Based in central Scotland we provide tuition in Iaido, The Art of the Japanese Sword. At Yushinkan Dojo we offer 5th dan teaching to all levels.
Our classes usually run weekly at venues in Newton Mearns and Dumbarton.
Studying the samurai sword (katana) helps us develop focus, balance, strength and agility. Ultimately the practise can lead to a state of clarity the buddhists call the zen mind.
We welcome visitors, new starts, female, male, Juniors and martial arts returners. For further information on joining a class Contact us. Your first class is always free.
What we Do
Iaido [ee-eye-do] (居合道) is the art of drawing a Japanese sword from its scabbard to obtain advantage over an opponent. The sword is drawn to defend one’s self, to control an enemy in the most efficient way. The emphasis is on technique, and training focuses on kata, which are a series of set forms or routines. Click here for more information about Iaido.
KENJuTSU
Partner work
Kata
12 Setei kata
cutting
practise
Muso shinden Ryu
At Yushunkan Dojo in Dumbarton and Newton Mearns we practise a style of Iaido is known as Muso Shinden Ryu and we are proud to have the honour of membership of the Shinbukan Ishido European Network.
Our instructors are experienced, fun to work with, completely professional, and offer their services without payment. We are members of the British Kendo Association and all coaches and members of Yushinkan Iaido are insured by the British Kendo Association. For more information visit our Classes Page or click on Contact us to drop us an email.
Donnie Gordon
Dojo Leader
Donnie Gordon founded Yushinkan dojo in 2017 He is 5th dan Iaido and 3rd dan Kendo, and began his life in budo with Wasada Karate dojo in Clydebank. He is a Chartered Safety & Health Practitioner and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health.
Donnie
is the British Kendo Association Safety Officer and a co-opted member of the
BKA National Committee. He is a BKA Coach and coach trainer, a first aider and
maintains membership of Taiseidokai Kendo dojo in Glasgow.
He founded the RAF Kendo dojo in the RAF College Cranwell and led the dojo for three years. He also saved Kensaki Iaido dojo (Muso Shinden Ryu at the time) from closure and brought Kensaki from nil grades to ‘Team GB’ membership in three years. Donnie has competed in the Lidstone and Bowden, national Kendo competitions and the BKA Iaido national Competitions as well as local events.
Donnie continues to develop his own understanding of the art and will challenge 6th dan at his first opportunity.