Canadian Iaido Association
Stuart Branson, Manager of Labour
Stuart Branson Sensei, 4th Dan (ZNIR), has been dedicatedly practicing Iaido for 9 years at Shoshinkai Victoria under the tutelage of Denton Hewgill Sensei, Takeji Itoh Sensei, and Chris Tooley Sensei. He is an accomplished swordsmith and carpenter, with his own metalsmithing forge and workspace. With an emphasis on Japanese bladesmithing, he has made a number of beautiful swords, knives and training wooden swords.
Stuart Sensei started martial arts in the 80s studying Taekwondo and Tai chi in university. He continued Tai chi on his own but then practiced Kendo for 3 years. He has studied many other martial arts for over thirty years, including Karate, Taekwondo, Tai chi, and Kyudo, before finally settling on Iaido as his main practice. Through watching Japanese traditional cultural films, Stuart Sensei has been enthralled and fascinated by Japanese culture, mythology, martial arts, and the sword in particular.
Pertinent History:
Iaido – 12 years
Kendo – 4 years
Kyudo – 1 year
Karate – 1 year
Tai chi – 1 year
Last Edited: June 20, 2023