Iaido Gibraltar was founded in late 2011 with the sole purpose of studying and practising Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho (MJER). This style of Iai dates back over 450 years to the founder and first SoShihan of the school: Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu (1546-1621). Since then, there have been 21 other SoShihans (headteachers) in the MJER style (the Masaoka-Den Lineage). The 22nd SoShihan of MJER, and current Chairman of the Kokusai Nippon Budo Kai (KNBK), is Hanshi, Carl E Long.
Iaido Gibraltar follows the Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho taught by Hanshi, Carl E Long, 22nd SoShihan of the Masaoka-Den of Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho. As such, Iaido Gibraltar is considered a Kenkyukai (study group) of the KNBK.
Mr C J Cortés met Long Sensei in 2011 (when Cortés first visited Sakura Budokan Dojo in Pennsylvania, USA). Mr Cortés was given permission to teach and practice MJER in Gibraltar. He became a student of Long Sensei shortly after (2012) and continued to visit Honbu (headquarters) regularly.
Iaido Gibraltar operates on the Rock as a martial arts dojo. Not having fixed premises yet, means that Iaido Gibraltar uses Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority (GSLA) allocations (during school term time) and other outdoor venues to conduct its training. There are occasions during the year that courses are run at other martial arts clubs in Gibraltar. As a non-profit organisation, Iaido Gibraltar focuses on teaching, studying and disseminating the Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho (Masaoka-Den) on the Rock. Training sessions happen every week.