Iaido is more than just a martial art—it is a discipline of precision, mindfulness, and swift action. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Iaido teaches practitioners how to master the fluid motion of drawing, cutting, and resheathing the sword in response to sudden threats.
What Is Iaido?
Iaido is a Japanese martial art that emphasises being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks. Iaido consists of four main components: the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, shaking blood from he blad, and replacing the sword back in the scabbard.
The Origins of Iaido
Iaido started in the mid-1500s. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenbou (1542 -1621) is generally acknowledged as the organiser of Iaido. There were many different koryu (customary schools), however, just a few remain practised today. Just about every one of them additionally concentrates on more ancient schools created amid 16-sventeenth century, in the same way as Muso-Shinden-Ryu, Hoki-ryu, Muso-Jikiden-Eishin-ryu, Shinto-Mumen-Ryu, Tamiya-ryu, Yagyu-Shinkage-ryu, Mugai-ryu, and Sekiguchi-ryu.
It's important to note that Iaido is a more modern iteration of an older art called Iaijutsu.
The term "Iaido" appears in 1932, the origin of the first two characters, Iai, is believed to come from saying Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu, which can roughly be translated as "being constantly (prepared), match/meet (the opposition) immediately". The last character, "do", generally translates into English as "the way" or "the path". Therefore, the term emerged from Iaijutsu and the general trend to replace the suffix -jutsu (the art of), with -do in Japanese martial arts in order to emphasise the philosophical or spiritual aspects of the practice.
After the collapse of the Japanese Feudal System in 1868, the founders of the modern disciplines borrowed from the theory and the practice of classical disciplines, as they had studied or practised. The founding in 1895 of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society) in Kyoto, Japan. It was also an important contribution to the development of modern Japanese swordsmanship, and in 1932, DNBK officially approved and recognised the Japanese Discipline, Iaido.
Upon the formation of the various organisations overseeing martial arts, a problem of commonality appeared. Since members of the organisation were drawn from various backgrounds, and had experience practising different schools.
The Styles of Iaido
In Iaido, styles are seen as more of an Iaido school system, effectively a way of training this art, each one with their own"style" of teaching the techniques. However, there are two sets of kata that you can learn depending on what iaido organisation your school studies under.
Toho Iaido:
The All Japan Iaido Federation (ZNIR, founded in 1948) has a set of five koryu iaido forms, called Toho, which were contributed from the five major schools whose teachers were involved in the creation of the organisation.
Seitei Iaido:
These are the technical forms based on seitei-gata from the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido, these are standard forms of sword-drawing techniques, created by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (All Japan Kendo Federation). The twelve Seitei Iaido forms are standardised for the tuition, promotion and propagation of iaido at the iaido clubs that are members of the regional Kendo federations.
- Mae (前). Front: Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling a frontal attack.
- Ushiro (後ろ). Rear: Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling an attack from the rear.
- Ukenagashi (受け流し) Receive, Parry and Cut: Commencing from a kneeling position, parrying an attack from the left.
- Tsuka-ate (柄当て). Striking with the Hilt: Commencing from a raised knee, seated position, forestalling two attackers, front and rear.
- Kesagiri (袈裟切り). Diagonal Cut: Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an approaching attacker.
- Morote-tsuki (諸手突き). Two-Hand Thrust: Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, two in front and one behind.
- Sanpōgiri (三方切り). Three Direction Cut: Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, one each to the right, left and front.
- Ganmen-ate (顔面当て). Hit to the Face: Commencing from a standing position, forestalling two approaching attackers, front and rear.
- Soete-tsuki (添え手突き). Joined Hand Thrust: Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an attack from the left.
- Shihōgiri (四方切り). Four Direction Cutting: Commencing from a standing position, forestalling four approaching attackers.
- Sōgiri (総切り). Complete Cuts: Five different and complete cuts. Commencing from a standing position.
- Nukiuchi (抜き打ち). Sudden Draw: Avoid, then respond to an attack from the front. Commencing from a standing position.
Benefits of Training In Iaido
Improved Focus and Mental Clarity:
Iaido emphasises mindfulness and being present in the moment, helping practitioners develop sharper concentration and mental discipline.
Physical Fitness and Coordination
Iaido is a martial art that involves lots of precise movements and enhances balance, posture, and overall body control.
Stress Relief and Inner Calm
Often referred to as "moving Zen," iaido fosters a sense of tranquillity and self-awareness through controlled, deliberate movements.
Training in Iaido is not just about mastering techniques but about cultivating discipline, focus, and inner balance. As a "moving Zen" art, it offers more than physical skill—it fosters mental clarity and calm, benefiting practitioners far beyond the dojo.
