Nishi Kaigan Iaido Dojo

I have studied here for more than ten years and I highly recommend this for anyone with interests in martial arts, exercise or Japanese culture. Residents of the SF Bay Area like me, are spoiled with the riches of opportunities to study «exotic» weapons martial arts from the far east. But this also means that prospective students as consumers must be more discerning to sort out and understand what is legitimate art, with a real history, and who is a good teacher.
For this reason, the Bona Fides for Diamantstein Sensei and the Nishi Kaigan Dojo really stand apart. The direct line to Japan was clearly spelled out to me from day one, and Diamantstein Sensei encourages all students to include study and test in Japan as part of their experience.
Diamantstein Sensei’s uses both western and eastern teaching styles in class, modulating his teaching to meet the needs and requirements of of his students. Sensei’s care and concern for the art itself comes across with every lesson. Diamanstein Sensei teaches Iaido so that it is not an esoteric or mysterious practice from the far east, but a practical everyday training method to help us all physically and mentally.

I have been learning Iaido from Sensei Andre for over 11 years.
I really enjoy Sensei Andre’s sense of humor and his patience.
The art he teaches is over 450 years old and Sensei Andre is one of the best practioners I’ve ever seen.
Their is a strong sense of Family at the Dojo where you get tons of support from the other students.
I highly recommend the school for those who want to learn a very authentic Martial Art.

I’ve practiced with Andrej Diamantstein Sensei since 1999. I came to sample a class initially expecting something like kendo, but iaido is very different. Since most movements are choreographed and practiced solo, it can be difficult to imagine how absorbing, challenging and fascinating this art is until one has actually tried it. Diamantstein Sensei is one of the few practitioners of his rank in the U.S. His skill is astonishing to behold, he is an incredible teacher, and he is completely dedicated to this art and to his students. I am «not a joiner,» as the saying goes, but I found a home in this dojo that has been unlike anything else I’ve been part of. The practice of Iaido affects my approach to my whole life. Because of the purity of the forms, their practice highlights everything that’s going on inside of you. Diamantstein Sensei travels regularly to Japan for training, and encourages his students to go as well, if they are able. The dojo is a very dedicated community, and includes some very highly skilled senior students who also teach.

I take classes in the dojo in San Francisco (Diamantstein sensei teaches both in Berkeley and SF). Diamantstein sensei has been practising iai for over 30 years and it shows! Iaido is a martial art that can be incredibly frustrating (sometimes its described as moving zen). He is friendly and very very patient with beginners. He takes the time to explain the logic behind every waza — that helps really helps me remember sequences. Moreover, the other dojo members are very friendly and supportive. If you also take classes at the SF aikikai (same space), the mat fees are half the normal rate,

Diamantstein Sensei is kind, skilled and expert. His students are deeply respectful and clearly engaged with the art in a meaningful way. My work with Diamantstein Sensei is in a collaborative capacity, as my group shares his studio. Diamantstein Sensei is a reasonable, supportive, clear landlord, a good friend and a wonderful teacher.
On another note, the studio space is beautiful. Spacious, clean, unpretentious and well taken care of.