Iaido Sword

Iaido represents the intrinsic form of Japanese Budo and is used as a form of mental and physical discipline, emphasising correct technique and form and character development. The study of Iaido encourages strength, balance, co-ordination and suppleness. Since Iaido is practiced with a weapon, the training is based on kata (set forms). Each form represents a different combat scenario. By practicing in a repetitive manner the practitioner learns and develops technique. Techniques are highly refined, simple and direct.
Through a controlled flow of movement, the practitioner seeks to unite his spirit, the action, and the sword, through this unification the sword becomes a tool to forge the human character. An adept of Iai seeks not only to cut through his enemies but rather cut through his own delusions first.
The characters for Iaido (居合道) can be translated as “the way of mental presence and harmonious action” or “the way of harmonious being”.
Each kata follows the same basic design of four sections: Nukitsuke (draw and cut) Kirioroshi (main two-handed cut down) Chiburi (blood shake-off) Noto (re-sheathing) There are within this format considerable variations. The most common variations include: Strike forwards with the hilt before drawing, pull the scabbard back off the blade and thrust immediately to the rear. Cut at an angle other than horizontally, e.g. vertically downwards, vertically upwards. Turn to various directions to cut opponents, or re-position the sword and stab. Deflect an initial attack instead of the single handed cut, then follow immediately with a two-handed cut.