Actually, I've been doing Iaido since I was in 4th grade, I am in college now, and my cousin who trains me is my master. He trained in Japan and Korea for five years each. He is also like my brother. We both speak Japanese and his korean is better than mine, only because I'm still learning korean. Also it won't matter what age you are to learn Iaido, you get active with practice. If you are not down for physical training, try te philosophical study of the Christian Samurai, it is very interesting knowing the history. Also, not too many people in my dojo have tattoos. Maybe a few of the men do, and one of the women do as well, but their stories of getting them were purely for themselves not for Iaido. The woman who ha the tattoo has one because her brother passed away this year, and she got one for him and so she could keep going in life to remind her of him living. I believe it's not necessary to get tattoos to be a martial artist but I am not the judge if they get one or two. Anyways, I also feel the Word of God is also my sword, I plan on becoming a missionary to my people in Japan. Hence, I am in college so I can study for it. I believe as a Christian Samurai it's not just a physical battle but a spiritual war in the world, as with all things I go with God to make disciples. My physical sword in a spiritual sense I feel has a longing to cut through the illusion of being a weapon for destruction. As a Japanese/Russian, I have my nihon hokori (Japanese pride) or Yamato damashii (Japanese spirit) my heart calls out to my people in Japan, they are crying for love like no other. It's not about me, I am a servant of The Lord. Only Jesus can love my people like no other, and I am the messenger to my people. I also believe in a relationship with God. Meaning, it's not a religion with rules or regulations or rituals or routine. Anyways it's a lifelong commitment to train in Iaido and be a Christian Samurai.
