Iaido techniques begin with the sword in the scabbard. Iaido is a study in drawing the sword to cut your enemy with efficiency and power while, at the same time, evading your enemies attack. While we sometimes use the name "Iaido" because it is more easily recognized in the west, our method is actually "Iaijutsu".
Iaijutsu is easy to learn but challenging to master. You will be able to practice on your own in no time, but as you work at it, you will understand that there is great depth in the simple-appearing movements. Becoming skillful requires development of great sensitivity to the most subtle details of your movement.
This is a superb discipline for improving mental focus and inner calm. As we strive for the ability to respond to a sudden attack from everyday standing or sitting positions, or while walking, we need to develop a calm but highly alert mental state.
Sunrise Instruction, Okinawa
This method makes extensive use of training partners. This allows you to work on distance, timing and perception in a way that solo practice cannot. Practice drills with a training partner also help you learn to draw the sword quickly and smoothly and to improve your evasive movements.
A unique aspect of this system is that we don't tuck the sword into our belt as do other sword methods. Our sword, instead, is hand carried. This allows great freedom of movement and allows us to use both the sword and the saya (sheath) in ways that are quite ingenious and not possible if the sword sheath is, instead, tied to the belt.
Solo Practice
Through solo drills weaknesses in your movements can be more easily noticed, isolated and refined.
Solo practice also has a meditative quality. As you gain experience, the coming together of your mind and body, and the ability to control your physical and mental poise, are significant benefits of this practice. A famous Japanese quote "Ken Zen Ichi Nyo", meaning "The sword and Zen are one" refers to the mental and physical state that can be achieved through disciplined study of the sword.
Ambidextrous Practice
Differing from other schools of Iaijutsu, This style is ambidextrous. As Takamiyagi sensei, tells us "You must be able to fight even if you have a hand cut off."
Of course there is more to it than that. Since this is not simply a preservation martial art, development of functional skills is important. The ability to use a stick, broom, umbrella or other weapon is essential. These everyday weapons may not be in your right hand when you need them. From a fitness viewpoint ambidextrous practice develops strength and agility in both sides of the body rather than leaving one side undeveloped. Ambidextrous practice is also beneficial to those who are left handed.
It is a fundamental teaching, in Motobu Udundi, that you should strive to develop skills to such a degree that you can control an enemy without causing harm. An injury or death was likely to inspire revenge. Choyu Motobu, teacher to the last king on Okinawa, advised that "if you use this bujutsu (martial art) you should dig two graves: one for your enemy and one for yourself".
This was the martial art of the ruling class. This style teaches that it is preferable to disarm and arrest offenders rather than kill them. After all, the ruling class was supported by the labor of taxpayers. Many of our techniques reflect this concept by offering ways to control or disarm an enemy rather than killing him.
Iaido is a noncompetitive practice and offers much that doesn't meet the eye. You will begin with an inexpensive bokken (wooden sword). After a period of time, you may ask about moving into a more realistic training sword called an "Iaito". These are swords without a sharp edge made specifically for Iaido practice.
As a Kodokai student you will learn both Kenjutsu and Iaido. They are two halves of one sword system. I have separated them on these web pages only to clarify and elaborate on the differences.
Classes are for ages 14 and older, but we do offer youth classes for ages 8- 13 so younger people can enjoy sword practice and reap the benefits of fun, exercise, focus and discipline.
Ready? Come on down!
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
