Canadian Iaido Association

The Three Official CIA Artifacts

Inshō, Tantō, and Haori

The Canadian Iaido Association (CIA), in traditional Japanese style, has three artifacts to signify Presidential authenticity of the bearer, and legitimacy of the CIA. The only person recognized as the CIA President will be in possession of these three artifacts at all times.

The first artifact of authenticity is the Canadian Iaido Association Inshō (stamp seal). This official seal is a traditional Japanese wooden stamp approximately 5cm square at the base. The stamp is made from Japanese Yellow Boxwood, a very strong wood which only grows on the top of mountains, around cliffs, and is prized by sculptors for its ivory-like quality and beauty. Carved in the bottom of the seal is the CIA signature in Japanese. This stamp will only ever be used for official CIA documentation.

The Second artifact is a Tantō (dagger) with an official Canadian Iaido Association statement engraved in Japanese on the tang. The Tsuka for the Tantō is natural white Same with custom made silver Mekugi cover fittings. The Saya for the Tantō is lacquered in black, with a CIA Mon in gold on the outer facing side. The President of the CIA may carry the Tantō when conducting business in his official capacity.

The third and final artifact of authenticity is a black silk Haori (traditional kimono jacket). On the outside, the Haori has five Maru ni Ken Katabami Mon (Stylized Wood Sorrel with swords within a circle crest). This Mon is used by the MJER Seitokai as their official Mon. Inside the Haori there is a depiction of a traditional Japanese pot containing maple leaves which represent the relationship of the ZNIR and the CIA.

◎ In accordance with the CIA constitution registered in the Province of British Columbia, anyone not in possession of these items will not be recognized as the legitimate CIA President.

When the current CIA president wishes to appoint a new President, these artifacts are given on the day of succession to represent a formal handover of duties and responsibilities. Either the CIA President himself can hand these artifacts to the next appointed CIA President or he can entrust them to the ZNIR Auditor to act on his behalf.