Alameda Iaido

"Though I am located in Vancouver and train under Hiro Inoue sensei, I have had the privilege to train with Mikhail sensei as well in person, and online over the last 15 + years. Despite residing in different countries, we always pick up where we left off as if no time has past. Mikhail Sensei is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to Iaido, but doesn’t wear that on his sleeve. He is a person of humility who never asks others what dan ranking they are, does not advertise is own rank, and most certainly never holds his own rank over others. I found that when teaching, he has always been kind, open minded, and understanding, which are traits that I still need to master when instructing my own students. I found him to be loyal to fellow sensei (including mine) and treated all of our members in Vancouver as friends, regardless of rank. He is always attending Seito Seiryu Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Kokusai Renmei events, all over the world, which clearly demonstrates a significant commitment to the organization in Japan. On a personal note, I have never heard Mikhail sensei say anything negative about anyone else, even if the other party is being less than positive. This is another trait that I have yet to attain, and Mikhail sensei is the perfect role model. Alameda Iaido, Emeryville Iaido, and Genwakan would be a great places to study Iaido and I hope to visit in person some day."

"Though I live and train in Winnipeg, Canada, I have had the pleasure of training with Mikhail Sensei for over a decade, both in person at seminars, and online during the COVID-19 lockdowns. I have found him to be a very knowledgeable and generous practitioner, willing to share his experience. I recommend without reservation his dojo to anyone seeking to learn Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido."

"The quality of any martial arts training depends largely on the dojo in which it is practiced. And the dojo is a reflection of the Sensei that leads it. Mikhail Sensei leads Alameda Iaido and Genwakan Iaido Dojō with such a humble grace, always putting his students first, regardless of rank or experience while exhibiting a true understanding and remarkable prowess with the sword. That, coupled with an unflagging dedication to the direct transmission of this 450 year old art form and a meticulous scrutiny in his own practice make Alameda Iaido and Genwakan Iaido dojō the perfect place to train, learn and grow as a martial artist interested in Japanese swordsmanship. Mikhail Sensei goes out of his way to help students achieve their maximum potential and has never ever allowed ego or pettiness to make its way into the dojo either on or off the mat. His encyclopedic knowledge of all things related to this school of swordsmanship is shared generously and I personally have benefitted many times from his kindnesses and learned from his example. And this same kindness and humility he shares with anyone who steps through the doors of the dojo. (The dojo is also affiliated with the Kokusai Renmei in Japan and thanks to Mikhail Sensei nurtures the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu lineage through his regular attendance at seminars around the globe.)"

"I have known Mikhail Sensei for over 15 years through our shared Iaido organization.  It is always a pleasure to learn from, and train with, him at Seminars. He is both highly knowledgable, and an excellent instructor.  I highly recommend his Dojo to anyone interested in learning Eishin Ryu Iaido."

"Mikhail Sensei is one of the most knowledgeable and humble practitioners of Iaido I have ever met. I have learned so much from him over the years and always enjoyed practice with him. He is extremely committed to the direct and unaltered teaching of MJER Iaido, and holding himself and students to a high standard of adherence to the teachings of our school. Personally, I have enjoyed each opportunity to socialize with Mikhail Sensei around seminars at the social gatherings and gained much from his appreciation of martial arts and Japanese culture. I look forward to the next time I get to practice Iaido with Mikhail Sensei and his students. I would recommend his dojo to anyone who wants to learn Iaido and become part of the wider IKR MJER Iaido community."