Vaccination REQUIRED to participate in any class.

Iaidō (居合道), is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware, capable of quickly drawing the sword, and responding to a sudden attack.

It is one of the oldest and most respected martial arts of Japan, and traces its origins to the techniques and methods used by the samurai to gain mastery of the sword, and ultimately, of the mind. Iaido implies a lifelong pursuit of self-knowledge and self-discipline through a demanding physical and mental training regimen.

Shū Ken Kai is an Iaido dojo located in Portland, OR. The dojo was formed in 2012 and classes are led by Chris Parkins, iaido 4 dan. Parkins sensei has over 18 years of experience practicing the art. Our door is always open to visitors.

Location

Fulton Park Community Center
68 SW Miles St.
Portland, OR 97219
Practice Times:
Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM, Sunday 3:30-5:30 PM

Train With Us

Begin your Journey

Iaido is a lifelong pursuit, and there is no better time than now to begin learning the basics. You’d be surprised how much there is to learn about swinging a sword and moving your body efficiently.

Start Small

Getting started in Iaido only requires a basic, inexpensive sword, an oak ‘bokken’ and comfortable clothes. Iaido is a relatively low-cost  Continue reading “Train With Us”

Events

Upcoming/Ongoing Events:

Vaccinations are required for Shū Ken Kai practice. This decision was arrived at by consensus from our regular practitioners.

Questions, please contact Chris Parkins.

 

May 15th, 2026

Shūkenkai Spring Seminar

Will be led by

  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Iaido Renshi 7 Dan

Location: Fulton Park Community Center, 68 SW Miles St., Portland, OR 97219

Schedule: 9:00am-4:00pm, Lunch from 12:00pm-1:00pm, doors open @ 8:30am

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

May 30th, 2026

PNKF Iaido Koryū Seminar (1 Dan and Up)

Will be led by

  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Iaido Renshi 7 Dan

Location: Shoreline Spartan Rec Center, 202 NE 185th St., Shoreline, WA 98155

Schedule: Saturday 30th; 1:00pm-5:00pm

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

July 22-26, 2026

AUSKF Iaido Summer Seminar, National Taikai and Shinsa

Will be led by

  • Akimasa Yamazaki Sensei, Iaido Hanshi 8 Dan (Ibaraki)
  • Shirai Keiko Sensei, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan (Hyogo)
  • Ono Jun Sensei, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan (Iwate)

Location: Linfield University, McMinnville, Oregon

Schedule: Thursday 23rd; Seminar (all day), Friday 24th; Seminar (all day), Saturday 25th; Taikai (all day), Sunday 26th; Shinsa (am) .

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

September 25-27th, 2026

Fall PNKF Iaido Seminar, Taikai and Shinsa (Up to 3 Dan)

Will be led by

  • TBD

Location: TBD

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

Past Events:

April 25th, 2026

PNKF Iaido Shinsa Prep Seminar (2 Dan and Up)

Will be led by

  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Iaido Renshi 7 Dan

Location: Shoreline Spartan Rec Center, 202 NE 185th St., Shoreline, WA 98155

Schedule: Saturday 25th; 9:00am-4:00pm

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

March 28-29th, 2026

Spring PNKF Iaido Seminar and Shinsa (Up to 3 Dan)

Will be led by

  • Tatsuhiko Kono Sensei, 7 Dan Kyoshi
  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei, 7 Dan Renshi
  • Robert Stroud sensei, 6 Dan Renshi

Location: Meadowdale Middle School, Lynnwood WA

Schedule: TBD

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

January 4th, 2026 – February 22nd, 2026 Beginners Class Starts

Practice at Fulton Community Center from 2:30pm-3:30pm. Note this class is held on a SUNDAY. There are 0 of 8 spots available.

Questions, please contact Chris Parkins.

November 15th-16th, 2025

5th Annual West Coast Iaido Seminar and Shinsa

Will be led by

  • Hasegawa Yoshihisa sensei, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan

Location: Trinity Western University,22500 University Dr, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1

Schedule: Saturday 15th; Seminar (10:00am-5:00pm), Sunday 16th; Seminar (10:00am-1:00pm),  Shinsa (2:00pm-3:30pm)

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

September 26-28th, 2025

Fall PNKF Iaido Seminar and Shinsa (Up to 3 Dan)

Will be led by :

  • Shozo Kato Sensei (Iaido Kyoshi 7 Dan, GNEUSKF)
  • Tatsuhiko Konno Sensei (Iaido Kyoshi 7 Dan, PNKF)
  • Jason Hankins Sensei (Iaido Renshi 7 Dan, SWKIF)
  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei (Iaido Renshi 7 Dan, PNKF)
  • Robert Stroud Sensei (Iaido Renshi 6 Dan, PNKF)
  • George Nishiura Sensei (Iaido Renshi 6 Dan, NCKF)
  • Cynthia Tanabe Sensei (Iaido 6 Dan, NCKF)

Location: Shoreline Spartan Recreation Center, 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

Schedule: Friday 26th; Seminar (7:00pm-9:00pm), Saturday 27th; Seminar (9:00am-12:00pm),  Taikai (2:00pm-5:00pm); Sunday 28th; High Rank Embu (9:00am-9:30am), Seminar (9:30am-12:30pm), Shinsa (2:00pm-4:00pm) .

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

September 20th-21st, 2025

NCAI 2025 Iaido  Seminar & Shinsa

Will be led by

  • Ito Tomoharu sensei, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan

Location: Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Schedule: TBA

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

July 31-August 3, 2025

AUSKF Iaido Summer Seminar, National Taikai and Shinsa

Will be led by

  • Akimasa Yamazaki Sensei, Iaido Hanshi 8 Dan (Ibaraki)
  • Masashi Nakada Sensei, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan (Kanagawa)
  • Akihito Maruoka Sensei, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan (Kochi)

Location: University of Houston Recreation Center, Hoston, TX

Schedule: Thursday 31st; Seminar (all day), Friday 1st; Seminar (all day), Saturday 2nd; Taikai (all day), Sunday 3rd; Shinsa (am) .

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

June 28th, 2025

Shūkenkai Summer Seminar

Will be led by

  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Iaido Renshi 7 Dan

Location: Cedar Hills Rec Center, 11640 SW Park Way, Portland, OR 97225

Schedule: 9:30am-3:30pm, Lunch from 12:00pm-1:00pm

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

May 17th, 2025

Spring PNKF Iaido Seminar and Shinsa Prep (Up to 3 Dan)

Will be led by

  • Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Iaido Renshi 7 Dani

Location: Shoreline Spartan Rec Center, 202 NE 185th St., Shoreline, WA 98155

Schedule: Saturday 17th; 9:00am-4:00pm

For more details, please contact Chris Parkins.

Contact

Are you an Iaidoka looking to join? Please complete the membership application and let us know you are coming to keiko (practice).

If you’re interested in contacting us, please send an email to Chris Parkins.