Iaido Classes and Training in Singapore

Structured Training for All Levels

Our Iaido Courses in Singapore

We welcome beginners and practitioners of all levels to join our classes in Singapore. If you are interested, please contact us by email, phone, or WhatsApp to confirm your participation. You can also submit an application for a free trial lesson on our homepage.
For updates on events, seminars, and Iaido in Singapore, visit our regularly updated Blog.

​Practice and Training Schedule

Classes are held at:
TKC Hall, Level 1, Tanglin Community Centre, 245 Whitley Road, Singapore 297829.
Current Schedule:
  • Thursdays: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

​Free Trial Lessons and Course Fees

We offer a free trial lesson for those interested in experiencing Iaido firsthand. To arrange your trial, simply contact us.
Course registration can be completed on a monthly basis through the PA (People’s Association) website or directly at the Community Centre’s admin office.
PA Passion Card holders are eligible for a discounted rate.

Age Requirements

​We generally accept students aged 14 years and above. Younger students may be considered on a case-by-case basis with parental or guardian consent. Please contact us for guidance if your child is under 14 and interested in training.

​Course Duration, Exams, and Ranking

Iaido is a Budo – a martial Way – with training continuing throughout one’s life, even for the most senior Sensei.
Progress is marked by periodic grading examinations:
  • Beginners typically start at Mukyu (no grade), progressing through 6th Kyu up to 2nd Kyu with each successful grading.
  • Kyu exams are managed at the dojo level, flexible to student readiness and dojo standards.
  • From 1st Kyu onwards, including black belt (Dan) grades, examinations are federated under ZNKR guidelines, requiring a panel of senior examiners.
  • There are minimum waiting periods between exams, supporting steady, in-depth learning.
Exams are not mandatory but are encouraged to measure your progress and refine your practice.

​How to Join or Visit

Interested in joining or observing a class? Simply:
✅ Email us: [email protected]
✅ Call/SMS/WhatsApp: +65 8239 8189 (Jack)
✅ Fill in the form on the homepage.
We look forward to welcoming you to the art of Iaido in Singapore.

The Instructor

Giacomo Merello in black iaido keikogi holding katana, Iaido instructor and 4th Dan practitioner in Singapore.
Our instructor, Giacomo Merello (Jack), is a registered Iaido Trainer with the People’s Association in Singapore and, like all dedicated practitioners, remains a fellow student of this elegant art.
Giacomo began his journey in Japanese Budo as a child with Shotokan Karate, later progressing to Daito-ryu Aikibudo and Ono-ha Itto-ryu Kenjutsu in Hokkaido, Japan, where he attained Nidan (2nd Dan). Since 2007, he has dedicated himself progressively and then exclusively to the study of the Japanese sword through Iaido and Kendo, achieving competitive results and gaining national and international experience.
He currently holds:
  • Yondan (4th Dan) in Iaido
  • Sandan (3rd Dan) in Kendo
  • Nidan (2nd Dan) in Daito-ryu Aikibudo

Teachers and Lineage
Giacomo has studied directly under several esteemed teachers in Japan and Europe, including:
  • Kondo Katsuyuki Sensei (Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Somucho, 8th Dan)
  • Kato Shigemitsu Sensei (Daito-ryu Aikibudo Soshi, 5th Dan)
  • Inoue Shigeaki Sensei (Kendo Hanshi, 8th Dan)
  • Asami Yutaka Sensei (Kendo Kyoshi, 8th Dan)
  • Ishii Katsuyoshi Sensei (Kendo Kyoshi 8th Dan, Tankendo Hanshi 8th Dan, Jukendo Kyoshi 8th Dan, Iaido 4th Dan)
Our Iaido practice, under the umbrella of the ZNKR/AJKF/IKF, follows the direct guidance of Furuichi Norio Sensei (8th Dan Kyoshi Iaido, 7th Dan Kyoshi Kendo, 7th Dan Battodo, 6th Dan Jukendo, 3rd Dan Jodo). We regularly visit Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan for advanced training and examinations under Furuichi Sensei’s exclusive guidance.

Beyond Iaido
Outside his practice of Iaido, Giacomo is a lawyer and regulatory consultant. He also serves as the current steward of the historic Barony and Lordship of Leslie in Scotland.
Giacomo Merello standing with Furuichi Norio Sensei during Iaido event, wearing hakama an holding grading certificate.
Furuichi Norio Sensei and Giacomo Merello during a Iaido grading ceremony in Japan.

Our Philosophy

We strive to follow the spirit of Shu-Ha-Ri — to learn and preserve, to break through, and to transcend — as we train in the art of Iaido. This path guides us to first repeat and internalize the teachings of our predecessors, then master the techniques, and ultimately, to refine and improve upon them with understanding and respect.
At Shuhari Dojo, we are dedicated to practicing “real” Iaido: Iaido that would truly cut an opponent, while maintaining elegance, precision, and efficiency. We seek to handle the sword in harmony with body and spirit, embodying the essence of martial effectiveness without sacrificing the grace inherent in this art.
For any other information, for joining the courses or contact us please write to: [email protected] 
You can also Call/SMS/WhatsApp the number: +65 82398189 (Jack)
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