About Us

The Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (MJER) Iaido - Austin Dojo is a practice group dedicated to the study of traditional Japanese swordsmanship. The Austin Dojo was established in 2019 and follows the teachings of the 23rd Soke, Fukui Masato, the leader of one of the oldest traditional sword schools, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido. Our connections to Japan is made possible through Sensei John Ray, Hanshi, 9th Dan’s lifetime dedication, and his commitment to transmit the tradition to those willing to learn.

The MJER Iaido - Austin Dojo is under the direct supervision of Sensei Jon Andresen, Kyoshi 7th Dan, Kancho of the MJER Iaido - San Antonio Dojo.

Our Dojo Linage

  1. Fukui Masato, 23rd Soke (Grand Master) - Nagoya, Japan

  2. Tanida Sensei, Hanshi, Jyu-dan (10th Dan) - Chiba, Japan

  3. John Ray Sensei, Hanshi Kyu-dan (9th Dan) - Denton, Texas 

  4. Ben Egan Sensei, Jun-Hanshi, Hachi-dan (8th Dan) - Houston, Texas  

  5. Jon Andresen Sensei, Kyoshi, Nana-dan (7th Dan) - San Antonio, Texas

Seito (Orthodox) Linage

  1. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu (1546-1621), Founder of Shinmei Musō-ryū

  2. Tamiya Heibei Shigemas

  3. Nagano Muraku Nyūdō Kinrosai

  4. Todo Gunbei Mitsushige 

  5. Arikawa Seizaemon Munetsugu

  6. Banno Danemonnojō Nobusada

  7. Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Hidenobu (Eishin), 7th generation and founder of Hasegawa Eishin-ryū 

  8. Arai Seitetsu Kiyonobu

  9. Hayashi Rokudayū Morimasa

  10. Hayashi Yasudayū Masatomo

  11. Ōguro Motoemon Kiyokatsu

  12. Hayashi Masunojō Masanori

  13. Yoda Manzō Norikatsu

  14. Hayashi Yadayū Masamoto

  15. Tanimura Kamenojō Takakatsu

  16. Gotō Magobei Masasuke (?-1897)

  17. Ōe Masaji (1852–1927), 17th generation and founder of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū

  18. Hokiyama Namio (1891–1935)

  19. Fukui Harumasa (1884–1971)

  20. Kōno Hyakuren (1899–1974)

  21. Fukui Torao (1915–2000)

  22. Ikeda Takashi (1932–2019), 22nd generation

  23. Fukui Masato (2019-Present), 23rd generation

A man with glasses and gray hair, wearing a black martial arts uniform, standing against a beige textured wall.

Eric Simmons, Yon-Dan (4th Dan)

Eric leads the Austin Dojo and is a direct student of Sensei John Ray, Hanshi 9th Dan. Eric originally trained at the Denton Dojo when he lived in the Dallas area before moving to Austin, Texas. Eric trains with Sensei, Ben Egan Jun-Hanshi, 8th Dan and Sensei Jon Andresen Kyoshi, 7th Dan.

James Adams, Ni-Dan (2nd Dan)

James assists Eric at the Austin Dojo. He is a student of Sensei Jon Andresen Kyoshi, 7th Dan. James also travels to Japan to train at the Chiba Dojo receiving instruction directly from Sensei Tanida Hanshi, 10th Dan.

We invite you to stop by and watch or if you have prior training, join us for practice.

Please contact us at iaidoaustin@gmail.com for more information about visiting or attending practice.

Contact Us