Iaido- techniques of the samurai sword

In practice iaido training consists of practicing forms called kata. KATA means a series of movements, where one practices various kinds of sword maneuvers.

Each kata consists of four parts: NUKITSUKE (drawing of the sword from its scabbard), KIRITSUKE (cutting action), CHIBURI (shaking blood off the blade)

and NOTO (the sword is returned to the scabbard).

In iaido, one practices without an opponent. The techniques vary considerably and they are performed from differing starting positions: crouching, sitting, lying, standing

or walking. Every direction of attack is studied: left, right, front and rear, in dark and light. Sometimes one studies situations, where there are external obstacles such

as a confined space, which does not allow a normal draw, or perhaps an obstacle hanging low above the student. There are techniques used against another iai

opponent and forms used for countering an enemy, who tries to prevent the iaidoka from drawing his sword by grasping the hilt or the scabbard, either from the front

or the rear.

A real Japanese sword (katana), practice sword (iaito) or wooden sword (bokken) is used in iaido practice. The sword is handled with respect and observing

good manners. In the beginning and at the end of a training period the student bows to his sword. One does not step over somebody else's sword or touch it

without the permission of the owner.

Iaido does not actually mean overcoming an enemy, but overcoming one's own self. The only and the most dangerous opponent in iaido is the iaidoka himself.

Victory in iaido consists of a forgiving heart and avoidance of fight. Iaido means training toward human perfection. In it there is never a murderous intention to

kill another human being. With endless practice the iaidoka learns to understand his place in the universe.

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Page Updated 12/21/2008