IAIDO

THE ART OF DRAWING THE SWORD

 

Iaido is a martial art that originated and developed in medieval Japan to train samurai in the use of the long-sword called katana, either for self-defense or to prepare them for battle. Today the art is taught as sets of forms (kata), concentrating on a smooth steady drawing of the sword and big, strong, efficient cutting whilst at all times maintaining perfect posture and balance. The ultimate aim of Iaido is spiritual and bodily harmony.

 

The equipment used in Iaido practice is a blunt-edged sword called iaito, or for beginners, a wooden sword called bokuto or bokken. Special clothing is worn as well, but all you need to start training is some loose comfortable clothes and a pair of kneepads – the bokuto is provided by the dojo.

 

Iaido can be practiced by anyone – irrespective of age and physical ability. The depth and intensity of the training is increased gradually and tailored to suit the individuality of each student. With the accumulation of experience it leads to the full realization of one’s physical and spiritual potential. Above all, practicing Iaido is a lot of fun and can become a way of life.

 

ZNKR SEITEI IAI KATA

 

1      Mae – to the front

2      Ushiro – to the rear

3      Ukenagashi – catch and slide off

4      Tsuka ate – strike with the handle

5      Kesa giri – diagonal cut

6      Morote tsuki – thrust with two hands

7      Sanpo giri – cutting in three directions

8      Ganmen ate – strike to the centre of the face

9      Soete tsuki – thrust with supporting hand

10    Shiho giri – cutting in four directions

11    Sou giri – multiple cuts

12    Nuki uchi – sudden attack

 

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MUSO SHINDEN RYU KORYU IAIDO

 

Shoden (Entry level)

The word "Shoden" can be translated as the "entry-transmission", and was derived from the Omori-ryū iaido. Omori-ryū was said to have been created by Hayashi Rokudayu Morimasa, the ninth headmaster of the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryū, who lived from 1661 until 1732. It has been included in the Muso Shinden-ryū at the entry level, and contains the following techniques (names and ordering can vary between different branches of the ryū):

  1. Shohatto (Shohatsuto) (First)
  2. Sato (Hidarito) (Left)
  3. Uto (Migito) (Right)
  4. Atarito (Ushiro) (Back)
  5. Inyoshintai (Yaegaki)
  6. Ryuto (Ukenagasi)
  7. Junto (Kaishaku)
  8. Gyakuto (Tukekomi or Oikiri)
  9. Seichuto (Tukikage)
  10. Koranto (Oikaze) (Chasing the Tiger)
  11. Gyakute Inyoshintai (Inyoshintai kaewaza, Hizakakoi)
  12. Nukiuchi (Batto)

Chūden

The word "Chūden" can be translated as the "middle-transmission", and was derived from the Hasegawa Eishin-ryū iaido. Originally created in the seventeenth century by Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Eishin (Hidenobu), who was the seventh undisputed headmaster of the Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryū. Hasegawa Eishin-ryū has been included in the Muso Shinden-ryū at the middle level. It contains the following techniques:

  1. Yokogumo -cloud bank
  2. Tora issoku -tiger's step
  3. Inazuma -lightning
  4. Ukigumo -floating cloud
  5. Yamaoroshi -wind down from the mountain
  6. Iwanami -wave hitting rocks
  7. Namigaeshi -wave turn
  8. Urokogaeshi -dragon turn
  9. Takiotoshi -waterfall
  10. Nukiuchi -draw/cut (Sudden Cut or Joi-uti)

Okuden

The word "Okuden" can be translated as the "inner-transmission". Nakayama's oku-iai is divided into two groups, suwari-waza, and tachi-waza; sitting and standing techniques.

Suwari-waza

  1. Kasumi (Mist)
  2. Sunekakoi (Knee Covering)
  3. Shihogiri (Attacking the Four Sides)
  4. Tozume
  5. Towaki
  6. Tanashita
  7. Ryozume
  8. Torabashiri (Tiger Run)
  9. Itomagoi 1 (Farewell 1)
  10. Itomagoi 2 (Farewell 2)
  11. Itomagoi 3 (Farewell 3)

Tachi-waza

  1. Yukizure
  2. Tsure-dachi
  3. Somakuri (Continuous Attack)
  4. Sodome (Attack One After Another)
  5. Shinobu (Secret Attack)
  6. Yukichigai (Receive and redirect the opponent's attack)
  7. Sodesuri-gaeshi (Pushing Through the Crowd)
  8. Mon-iri (Entering Through the Gate)
  9. Kabezoi (By the Wall)
  10. Uke-nagashi
  11. Ryohi-hikitsure
  12. Oikake-giri
  13. Gishiki

 

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