日本の伝統文化には、茶道、華道等ありますが、剣道・居合道もそのひとつです。 それぞれ形は違いますが、すべてそれらの中には日本人の「美意識ー侘び寂び」が含まれていると思います。 そして美しい礼法や所作には無駄がなく、それが見る人に感動を与えるものとなります。

志道学院NY士道館は、剣道には「美」が必要であると考え（つまりこれは基本に従った正しい武道に他なりません）、そしてその結果として強く正しく美しい剣道が生まれる、と考えています。 また、居合道は、起源は室町時代にあり、応仁の乱の際にいつでも武器を抜ける様にしていたというのが『居合』の始まりでした。　その後戦国時代に入ると、林崎重信がこの『居合』を『居合道』という武道として確立させました。そして武士のたしなみとして修練される様になったのです。　日本刀の操作法に由来がある居合道は、勝負を抜刀の一瞬にかけるため、修行は『死生一妙』『動静一貫』を目指す心身鍛錬の道です。　しかし、剣の理法の習得が『人間形成の道』という考え方においては剣を払う事を主とする武道としての剣道と同じで『剣居一体』の武道です。

その日本伝統文化剣道・居合道をこの異国の地に正しく広める事を目的とし、志道学院は後数年で４５年間という年月を、ニューヨーク州に公認いただいた日本文化非営利団体法人として、東海岸を中心に躍進していくつかの系列道場を持つに至りました。その宗家道場であるNY士道館は、私の恩師の故中西康先生（剣道範士９段、居合道範士８段、杖道範士８段）の広島士道館の道場名を先生が亡くなられた後、先生の奥様よりいただきNY士道館として現在活動をしております。

NY士道館の稽古は、剣道の場合、マンハッタン道場、プレザントビル道場の２か所で行い、それぞれマンハッタン道場は木、土、プレザントビル道場は火、土、日が稽古日です。また、居合道はプレザントビル道場で日曜日の午後に稽古しています。生徒はいずれの道場に何回でも自由に通うことができ、基本的に館長および師範の私、加藤彰三（剣道教士八段、居合道教士七段）が直接指導を行います。また、経験豊富な高段者（６，７段）の先生方が補佐として指導にあたります。剣道及び居合道の稽古日は異なりますが同じ指導内容です。

稽古は、子供（５歳～１８歳）、初心者、経験者、そして経験者だが長くブランクのある方等それぞれが無理なく自分のペースで続けられるように指導が行われます。大人の生徒には、少年時からずっと剣道を続けている人、２０年以上のブランクがあり再開した人、高齢になってから剣道を始めた人、企業の駐在員で忙しい時間の合間を縫って稽古をする人等様々な境遇の人がいます。

剣道も居合道も、歳をとっても若者や少年と一緒に稽古ができ、一生続けられる武道（生涯剣道）であると言っても過言ではありません。子供達には時には厳しく指導させていただくこともありますが、剣道・居合道が単に体を動かす運動ではなく、稽古を通じて人間形成を目指し、社会に貢献する人間に成長してもらいたい、という気持ちを込めて指導に当たらせていただいています。

皆さんと一緒に稽古ができる日を心よりお待ち申し上げております。

加藤彰三

館長および師範

志道学院ニューヨーク士道館

Kendo and Iaido are among Japan’s traditional cultural arts, along with the tea ceremony and flower arrangement (ikebana).

While their forms differ, they all embody the Japanese aesthetic concept of wabi-sabi, an appreciation of simplicity, elegance, and impermanence. Beautiful etiquette and refined movements are free from unnecessary excess, and their elegance leaves a lasting impression on those who observe them.

At Shidogakuin NY Shidokan, we believe that true kendo requires beauty, which is achieved through faithful adherence to proper fundamentals and authentic martial principles. Through such practice, strong, correct, and beautiful kendo naturally emerges.

The origins of Iaido can be traced back to the Muromachi Period. During the Onin War, warriors needed to be prepared to draw their swords at any moment, and this gave rise to the concept of iai. Later, during the Warring States Period, Shigenobu Hayashizaki systematized these techniques into the martial art now known as Iaido.

Because Iaido is derived from the practical use of the Japanese sword, practitioners strive to perfect techniques in which victory is determined in the instant of drawing the blade. Training therefore becomes a path of mental and physical discipline, seeking the ideals of “life and death existing as one” and “unity of movement and stillness.”

In the same way that kendo emphasizes character development through mastery of the principles of the sword, Iaido also serves as a path of personal cultivation. For this reason, kendo and iaido are often regarded as two expressions of the same martial spirit.

With the goal of promoting the traditional Japanese arts of Kendo and Iaido in the United States, Shidogakuin has served the East Coast community for nearly 45 years as a New York State-recognized non-profit Japanese cultural organization, and has grown to establish several affiliated dojos across the Eastern United States.

The headquarters dojo, NY Shidokan, carries on the name of Hiroshima Shidokan, the dojo of the late Yasushi Nakanishi Sensei (Kendo Hanshi 9th Dan, Iaido Hanshi 8th Dan, Jodo Hanshi 8th Dan). Following his passing, the name “Shidokan” was graciously entrusted to me by Mrs. Nakanishi.

NY Shidokan kendo classes are held at two locations: Manhattan Dojo and Pleasantville Dojo. Training sessions are conducted on Thursdays and Saturdays in Manhattan, and on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Sundays in Pleasantville. Iaido classes are held at Pleasantville Dojo on Sunday afternoons. Students are free to attend either dojo as often as they wish.

Instruction is provided directly by me, Shozo Kato (Kendo Kyoshi 8th Dan, Iaido Kyoshi 7th Dan). Instruction is also supported by experienced 6th- and 7th-dan instructors.

Although kendo and iaido are practiced on different days, the same teaching philosophy and standards are maintained in both disciplines.

Classes are structured so that children (ages 5–18), beginners, experienced practitioners, and those returning after a long absence can all progress comfortably at their own pace.

Our adult students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have trained continuously since childhood, while others have returned after an absence of more than twenty years. Some began practicing later in life, and others are Japanese expatriates balancing training with demanding professional careers.

It is no exaggeration to say that both Kendo and Iaido are lifelong martial arts (often referred to as “lifelong kendo”). Practitioners of all ages can train together, and many continue their practice throughout their entire lives. While children may occasionally receive strict instruction, our goal is never merely physical exercise. Through training, we strive to cultivate character, discipline, respect, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

We sincerely look forward to the opportunity to train with you.

Shozo Kato

Head Instructor

Shidogakuin NY Shidokan