About Us

The founding insructor Mountain Wind Dojo, Max Roach Sensei, has trained in Japanese martial arts since 1993. He is directly affiliated with the orthodox headmasters of:  

Students of the Mountain Wind Dojo Group have the opportunity to study Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido, Aikido – The Way of Harmony, and Wado-Ryu Karatedo (at the Tenessee location).

We train regularly and welcome visitors at our four locations:

Practicing Iaido and aikido is tremendously rewarding.  Practice develops physical strength, improves balance, cultivates community.  More importantly, these arts are vehicles for self-discovery.  Long-term practitioners credit iaido and aikido with profound internal realizations and healthier perspectives.  Roach Sensei feels strongly that our instructors' obligation is to preserve the cultural, historical, and sociological traditions. Roach Sensei and his students are honored to promote and preserve these unique and distinctively Japanese arts.

We welcome anyone who is committed to learning and preserving the traditional arts of Iaido and Aikido.

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on ethical conflict resolution. Founded by Ueshiba, Morihei, aikido employs sweeping circular movements, joint manipulation, pressure points, sweeps and throws; all in an effort to blend with the attacker's energy and leading it towards deescalation. Aikido develops a calm and joyous spirit and promotes a host of health and wellness benefits.

What is Iaido?

Iaido is the art of traditional Japanese sword drawing.  Originally the art of the quick-draw, iaido evolved into a form of moving meditation  during Japan's renaissance.  Known for its beauty, grace, and deadly efficiency, iaido develops a sense of focus and tranquility within its practitioners.