Iaido is the contemporary Japanese art of drawing the long sword and returning it to its scabbard. It originated in the katana (long sword) techniques of the samurai of Japan. The term “iaido,” meaning, “way of presence in the moment,” was used to describe the sword-drawing art in 1932. It shares common concepts to other traditional Japanese martial arts: concepts such as elegance, simplicity, and the use of kata as the principal means of training.
Basic Iaido kata combines drawing the sword with either a defensive block or cut, usually followed by another cut, then moving the blade in such as way as to remove blood and tissue and returning the blade to the scabbard. Iaido kata foster the development of awareness by encouraging the iaidoka (a student of iaido) to visualize the opponent.
Iaido practice is framed by respect and politeness. There is a great deal of etiquette with regard to Japanese swords in general. The rationale is: (1) to prevent damage to the sword, (2) to prevent injury to the iaidoka using the sword, and (3) to prevent injury to others in the room, whether fellow practitioners or bystanders.
Training consists of solo kata forms and partner forms, called kumidachi. The solo forms consist of properly drawing, cutting and returning the sword to the scabbard. Kumidachi forms are performed using wooden swords.Iaido techniques are organized into beginning, middle level and advanced levels. At the beginning and middle level, Iaido students are encouraged to react to, rather than provoke an attack. Advanced level forms however, are much more aggressive.
Practitioners are expected to be properly dressed in well-fitting hakama (traditional Japanese pleated trousers), obi (belt or sash) and keikogi (training uniform), with a minimum of skin showing at the neck. They are expected to exercise self-control in language and action. Losing one’s temper in an iaido dojo is not tolerated and usually results in immediate expulsion
Though only samurai men traditionally practiced long sword artforms, Iaido is now studied by both men and women around the world.
