Ernest Blackburn - British Iaido Association Treasurer

Ernest Blackburn

I first started my interest in training during my years of national service at the age of 18. As soon as I joined I found myself drawn to the physical side of things, and then on to the Armies Physical Training Corps. I taught all types of training including unarmed combat. When on my discharge I had reached the rank of Sergeant and had been asked to stay on, but thinking I knew best, I refused.

Once back in the normal world I started body building and then at the tender age of 33 is when I found my first instructor in Karate, and at the age of 57, I turned my gaze to Iaido, and through the contacts that I had made in the martial arts world through coaching and refereeing at international level, made my way over to Allan Tattersall's Dojo in Rochdale. From there I joined the British Kendo Association with whom I am currently still a member and have the grade of Yondan. I have also graded recently for the rank of Godan in front of Sensei Tattersall 8th Dan D.N.B.K. and am looking forward to training in the British Iaido Association, as I want to train without incurring all the costs, and this I can now do.

I train for two hours a day at Iaido and do this three days a week over in Blackburn, I instruct twice a week in Burnley for Ydachi, and we have five students there. I also coach a private session every other Tuesday, and am enjoying my Iai more and more everyday.

I have been to Japan many times, and have many friends there and have also trained out there in all the various Dojo's, both at Karate, and Iaido. I have many friends in the British Kendo Association and still wish to remain a member. I don't see this as instead of, but as well as, and will try my best to do justice to both for myself.

My credentials are listed below:

  • 7th Dan Wado Ryu Karate E.K.G.B.
  • 5th Dan Iaido B.I.A. (British Iaido Association)
  • 4th Dan Iaido B.K.A. (British Kendo Association)
  • F.E.K.O. National Referee.
  • N.T.K.A. Full Coach.