2026 East Coast Iaido Seminar

Date
Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 2026

We are pleased to announce the 2026 East Coast Iaido Seminar, Taikai and Shinsa on March 21-22, at the Earl Y. Byrd Center (County Prep) - 525 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
March 21 & 22, 2026 (Saturday & Sunday.)

Seminar, taikai and shinsa will be held on Saturday and Sunday in Jersey City NJ.

HEAD INSTRUCTOR AND TAIKAI SHINPANCHO

Shozo Kato, Iaido Kyoshi 7-dan, Kendo Kyoshi 8-dan (New York)

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS

Tatsuhiko Konno, Iaido Kyoshi 7-dan, Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan (Seattle, WA)

Pam Parker, Iaido Kyoshi 7th dan (New York)

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS

Susan Sekreta, Iaido Kyoshi 7-dan (New York)

Debi Farmer, Iaido Renshi 7-dan (New York)

SCHEDULE

All events at Earl Y. Byrd Center (County Prep) - 525 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Kodansha Session (4‑dan & above)
Friday, March 20, 2026
9:00–17:00 (Lunch 12:30–13:30)

Seminar
Saturday, March 21, 2026
9:00–17:00 (Lunch 12:30–13:30 Approx)

Taikai & Shinsa
Sunday, March 22, 2026
9:00–17:00 (Lunch 12:30–13:30 Approx)

LUNCHES

There will be a lunch break during the seminar.

Lunches are available for pre-order for Friday Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $15 per person, including a can of soda or bottled water. All lunches are Rice Bowls with white rice (not full bento). The options are:

• Yaki-Pulled Pork
  
• Panko Shrimp
  
• Karage (Fried Chicken)
  
• Soy-Glazed Chicken
  
• Tofu Brussels Sprouts

PAYMENTS

Payments are to be made by check payable to Shidogakuin and sent to Pam Parker at 24 Fifth Avenue, Apt 426, New York NY 10011.

Foreign visitors can pay in cash at the door.

HOTELS

Lodging:
Recommended areas:
Budget (parking available)
Holland Hotel – 175 12th St
Holiday Inn Express – 180 14th St
Standard (near PATH: Newport/Grove St)
DoubleTree by Hilton – 455 Washington Blvd
Courtyard by Marriott – 540 Washington Blvd
Residence Inn – 80 Christopher Columbus Dr
Higher‑End
Westin Jersey City – 479 Washington Blvd
Hyatt House – 1 Exchange Pl
Airbnb: Recommended only with dedicated parking.
Avoid: Budget hotels on Route 1 & 9 / Tonnelle Ave.
*Meadowlands: Good budget options if driving 20–30 minutes.

Transit & Parking
Closest Light Rail stop: Jersey Ave/Grand Street
Earl Y. Byrd Center (County Prep) has a large parking lot (Entrance by Bright Street)

PARKING

County Prep High School has a large parking lot.

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION

The registration deadline is Saturday, March 7, 2026.

If you are planning to test, your Shinsa application must be received by this deadline. Please read carefully and follow the instructions.

For questions about online registration, please contact info@shinken.cc.

SHINSA APPLICATION

SEMINAR

Instruction will be in the All Japan Kendo Federation style of iaido.

TAIKAI

Iaido competition will be by rank (Mudansha–5‑dan).

IAIDO SHINSA

Shinsa for Kyu and 1–4‑dan (Seminar attendance required)

Shinsa Fees
Shinsa (testing) fee: $50 (included in seminar check)
Menjo fee (separate check):
Kyu <18: $20
Kyu ≥18: $30
1‑dan: $50
2‑dan: $60
3‑dan: $80
4‑dan: $100

Approval Requirements:
GNEUSKF / AEUSKF / EUSKF members: no separate permission needed
Other AUSKF regions: email approval from federation president
Non‑AUSKF: must belong to an FIK‑recognized federation with emailed approval

Standing kata allowed with prior doctor’s note on file. If you use any visible support (e.g. tabi, wrist brace) please provide doctor's note, if you have not yet done so.

KODANSHA SESSION

Kodansha session will be on Friday March 20, 2026 at the Earl Y. Byrd Center (County Prep) - 525 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
9:00 to 17:00 with one hour lunch break.
Kodansha is reserved for 4 dan and above. This is expanded from previous years. We want to take advantage of the larger space, allowing more advanced students to participate.

REGISTER