Kyoto Iaido Adventure A fascinating 15 minute video journal & documentary, filmed & narrated in Japan by Tokyo pop sensation Lensei  (warning  girls: he’s cute) at the legendary mountaintop Hachiman shrine near Kyoto, where iaido’s world titles are held annually before a royal patron. For more on Lensei and his music please google his name!

You’ll get to see Simon’s remarkable instructor ‘Kancho’ Glenn Stockwell in action, meet His Imperial Highness Prince Munenori Kaya, plus witness the fate of competition champion Nathan Nilsen, who (perhaps unwisely) agreed to a bet that if he again won gold, he would let iaido master Fukushima-Sensei cut off his dreadlocks with a razor sharp shinken blade! Do not attempt this at home without several decades of hard training first. Want to learn the art of the sword? Please check out dojo contact details at http://www.seishinkan-iaido.org/

A note about part of Simon’s interview with Lensei on this clip, inserted as his insistence. He writes: ‘My beliefs about respect oblige me to add this clarification: my comments about the way swords are treated on arrival in Australia as opposed to Japan, are meant to be taken in that ‘spirit of friendly banter about our own culture’ that we Aussies are notorious for. Just so nobody gets confused, I am immensely proud of my country -that’s why I compete internationally wearing a miniature of its flag- and our occasional ‘barbarism’ (from a traditional Asian warrior’s viewpoint) such as not appreciating the significance of a katana, is quite understandable given our nation’s makeup and short, unique history. And despite any of my playful digs, I have great respect for and genuinely appreciate, both the world’s hardworking luggage handlers and everyone whose favourite food or lifestyle happens to differ radically from mine.’ 

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Kunoichi (Lady Ninja) A crazy little short film shot in Kawasaki, Japan.

For added fun, the two leads speak in the languages they didn’t grow up with. A big thanks to fabulous Japanese stage actress Masayo Arakawa &  the great production crew of Keiichi & Hiroko Tsujii.

Saturday Disney Gets Iaido Live iaido & a chat about Moonshadow on Australia’s top-rating Kid’s TV show.

With special thanks to both the awesome Shae Brewster & Channel 7.

Book Trailer for Moonshadow: Eye of the Beast, first in the series…

Watch this space! More clips will be added…

Motto, animal warrior. Artwork by Ari Gibson