The following advice for your situation is pretty standard. Save your money until you actually start training, then get with your instructor before picking something out. The right sword is often very style specific. It is not only possible, but downright likely that there will be something about the Tiger which is not suited to whichever art you end up. Maybe the tsuka will be too long. Maybe the curve will be too deep. Maybe the instructor will not allow Paul Chen blades in his dojo.

The most likely problem will come if you sign up with one of the several Iai dojos in Chicago and they won't let you use a shinken for the first several years. It would be a shame to spend $840 on a sword only to end up having to shell out another $400 for an iaito.

Don't worry about not having a blade when you walk through the door. It's a much better to walk in with a clean slate and let the instructor help you purchase the right training tool.

Yea, you guys bring up a good point. I have to control myself...I guess thats one of those self-disipline sorta things that's related to martial arts huh...Well, I was going to do my class research after I got the sword, but I guess since I'm going to wait a little, I should do my class research first. Of the several in Chicago, is there any class/instructor in particular that you guys recommend? Or can I just sign up for the one that is closest to me? (I have no car so I'd have to take the train T.T```.)

I would suggest doing a search over at http://www.swordforum.com and http://www.e-budo.com using the search terms "Chicago dojo".

There is a Mugai Ryu dojo at the Japanese Cultural Center http://www.japaneseculturecenter.com/iaido.html It's a good choice for training from what I understand.

I believe there are also some Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu dojos associated with the Jikishinkai organization there as well. This is a different organization than the one I am in.

Search two forums I mentioned above for more information.

Hi,
http://s106679294.websitehome.co.uk/dvd.htm is a uk based Dojo. As I live in the UK (London),I would be hesitant in passing too much judgement on the quality of the iai at this dojo. However, I am currently learning Mugai Ryu at this dojo http://www.seishokan.org.uk/index.html and I can say the quality of the instruction I receive here is excellent Honbu web site is here http://www.seibukanbudo.org/eng/kai_e.htm
Regards to all
Sean.

Hello Sean. I think you will find that Mr Crowther has been discussed quite a bit in this thread. And in the future I would ask you to please not resurrect threads that are more than 6 months old. If you feel that an old dead topic requires further discussion, please start a new topic.

Hello Charles,
Noted and understood.
Regards
Sean

I must make a apology straight away for the information i strongly feel should be shared to you all. I realise this thread has been bounding about for sometime and you must be sick of it but on reading messages on this site i have observed the name Crowther. I have known of this gentleman in the past and from viewing his material am satisfied we are on the same page of the hymn book. I would advise anyone that is interested in training sword styles or any other discipline that he claims to be profitient in to look elsewhere. There has been many manifestations in the lifespan of this man , professional fisherman ,painfully poor metal guitarist to name just two. To be honest the fact that he is practising this noble art troubles me enormously,I would be happy not to mention another word on the subject as i guess you would to. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

You should really do some research before associating genuine professionals that have the same names with each other. There is a well respected angler called Steve Crowther.
Maybe Charles could lock this thread. Threads have been locked for lesser reasons previously ;-)

I'll lock it if I get a second from the peanut gallery.