You are probably thinking 'Why study the art of drawing a sword, we don't carry swords around'. Iaido does provide some practical benefits.  Learning the precise movements of the katas increases physical strength, grace, and balance.  Mastering the katas through dedicated practice also provides substantial benefit by improving the psychological strength of the student.

Methuen Kirei Iaido

Iaido for courteous inner strength

The emphasis of Iaido is in the performance of kata.  Pleasure should be the main ingredient derived from these movements.  Iaido kata are very relaxing, meditative and beautiful.  The application of sword techniques is not relevant today in society.  Yet, your understanding and proficiency will reward you with insight.

Iaido is considered to be the most philosophical and intellectual of all martial arts. Your Iaido experience will deepen your knowledge and understanding of yourself. 

The Curriculum of Iaido

Iaido is the art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword.  It was developed by samurai warriors over centuries to build the skillful movements needed to quickly have a weapon in hand and ready to use. During the 17th century, in a time of peace, these movements were slowed down and formed into kata to make up an art form we call Iaido (pronounced eee-eye-doe).  Once the movements have been mastered, the sword can and will appear at any speed the practitioner wishes.

Iaido katas have four fundamental parts; nukitsuke (draw and cut), kirioroshi (killing cut), chiburi (blood throw), and noto (resheathing the blade).  These movements are each done with feeling of Jo (slow) Ha (medium) Kyu (fast) speeds.  The rhythmic speed of the movement gives the practitioner control to prevent killing an opponent.  The control allows the practitioner the ability to stop until the last second.

AUSKF / SEITEI-GATA

In 1967 Iaido was introduced into the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) because students were getting too involved in just winning kendo contests so unlike the handling of a real sword.  A group of masters developed katas (seitei-gata) that could be used for training and Iaido dan (black belt) ranking.

AJIF / EISHIN-RYU  (KORYU)

The most widely practiced Iaido by the All Japan Iaido Federation (AJIF) in central Japan today is Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu, meaning “Peerless, Direct Transmission, True-Faith Style.”  Eishin-Ryu claims a lineage about 450 years long making it one of the oldest martial art forms in Japan.  It has numerous “sets” of katas. We study selected kata from these sets.

Etiquette (Reishiki)

Proper etiquette is more than just bowing and calling the teacher “sensei”.  Etiquette has duty and service as its foundation.  In Japan the way of the warrior (code of bushido) makes it clear there is no greater glory than to die in the service to one’s lord (duty).  Today, this means living with honor, justice and helping society (service). Life, with its trials and challenges, is the applications of correct etiquette developing inter strength.

Getting started

You will not need any equipment at first.  A practice uniform called a gi is recommended but not required initially.  You can use a boken (wooden sword) available in the dojo.  As you progress you will want to purchase your own boken, kikogi (gi top), and hakama (split pants). Students who have demonstrated skill with the boken will be evaluated and approved for practicing with an iaito (unsharpened practice sword) during class.

Practice procedure

1.        Entering the Dojo – Bow

2.        Stepping on mat – Bow   (Prior to class practice respectfully).

3.        Class start – Standing Bow to the Shomen (Front)

Kneel in Saiza - Meditate

Bow to Sensei

Bow to Sword – insert sword

Exercises

4.    Class session

At end of session

Saiza, remove sword - Bow to Sword

Meditate

Bow to Sensei

5.    Stand – Bow to the Shomen

6.    Stepping off the mat – Bow

7.        Leaving the Dojo –Bow

We begin with the basics.

1.     How to hold the sword.

2.        How to use the sword.

   Nukitsuke, kirioroshi, chiburi, and noto

3.        The names of different parts of the sword in Japanese;

Kissaki (point section)

Ha (cutting edge)

Hamon (pattern on the cutting edge)

Hi (longitudinal groove)

Mune (back edge surface of blade)

Tsuka (hilt of the sword)

Menuki (pair of ornaments used to enhance grip of each hand)

Tsuba (hand guard)

Kashira (butt-end of hand guard)

Saya (scabbard)

Koiguchi (mouth of saya)

Sageo (flat braided cord)

SEITEI-GATA Katas

 1. Ippon Me - Mae (front)

 2. Nihon Me - Ushiro (back)

 3. Sampon Me - Uke Nagashi (receive & deflect)

 4. Yonhon Me - Tsuka-ate (hilt strike)

 5. Gohon Me - Kesa-giri (diagonal cuts)

 6. Roppon Me - Morote-zuki (two-hand thrust)

 7. Shichihon Me - Sampo-giri (three directional cutting)

 8. Hachihon Me - Gammen-ate (face-strike)

 9. Kyuhon Me - Soete-tsuki (joined-hands thrust)

10. Juppon Me - Shiho giri ( four-directions cutting)

11. Ju Ippon Me - Sou giri (continuous cutting)

12. Ju Nihon Me - Nukiuchi (sudden attack)

Promotions

Advancement in the martial arts is complicated. Everyone advances at different rates using their individual ability and effort.  There are those for which things come easy.  Others struggle with the simple tasks.  We look upon “struggle” as an important ingredient of progress. 

 Traditionally a student was awarded a “dan” certificate after many years of study when the instructor saw fit.  Now we answer, “how am I doing” by instituting “kyu” ranks indicating progress. Our modern age expects instant progress and instant results.  Our tendency, at the Dojo, is to resist “modern age” views.   We believe in the arcane view of learning by first sweeping, watching and imitating before instruction is received.  A student having persevered this first phase will receive minimal attention.  As dedication to study is exhibited, instruction in basics is increased to a second phase.  Once the basics are understood katas are taught.  This covers the first year or so of study. The focus after that is aimed at perfecting your character and spirit through your katas.

 In many martial arts, practice most often entails working with others. Skill is measured by how well you control your opponent.  In Iaido, this is very different.  Your opponent is yourself.

Improvement is measured by how successful you are in dealing with yourself. .  So Iaido promotions are not only a measure of how well a student performs a kata, they are a commentary on self-discipline, and maturity, and inner personal growth.

Rank and Testing

Rank is desirable and rewarding for self- esteem and indicating achievement.  For newer students it is an example of rewards for effort and dedication. Important considerations in advancement are understanding and attitude, as well as skill, knowledge and technical performance.

“So Sensei , when can I test?”

More than thirty years ago I entered a dojo and was greeted by John Zachistal Sensei.  He explained that if I wanted to learn self defense or the stuff in the movies or expect to get a quick black belt there are schools he would recommend. This is not one of them.  He said, “I teach traditional Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate, and that is all I teach.”  I joined that Dojo and spent many years training there.

That training and other experiences in my life have formulated my belief in the value of old fashion ethics of work and practice.  It takes time and dedication to learn something valuable.  That holds true for many things in life and it is particularly true for learning martial arts.  With that context, I want to share with you my guidelines for testing and promotion eligibility. 

I expect students to attend classes twice a week routinely. In the case of iaido, since you don’t need to work with another student, practice at home can be substituted for one of the classes. I do not invite students to their initial test until they have practiced for at least one year.  The first test each student faces is the fifth kyu test.  It will probably take you another four years, and a test during each of those years, to prepare you for your first dan rank. 

In my opinion, a black belt is someone who is noticeably outstanding in class, and understands that both inside and outside the dojo they represent values of a very important and historic tradition. When you receive your Black Belt (Shodan) it means you are knowledgeable enough, proficient enough, mature enough and motivated enough to start serious martial arts training.  The Black Belt is not an ending but a beginning.

Characteristics differentiating the kyu levels in Iaido.

Black Belt        Understanding of Japanese sword arts principles, terms, styles and ethics.  The sword should be used as an integrated part of the body.  Kata should be solid and steady, executed with conviction and finality.  The technical details in the kata should be evident and the kata performed without effort.

1^st kyu               Self motivation and initiative in class. Maturity and dedication in own attitudes as well as working with other student.  Concerned with and encouraging students understanding and progress.

2^nd kyu              Detail familiarity with all katas (12).  Majority of katas performed reaching exacting technical skills.  Comfort in performing and instructing.

3^rd kyu              General familiarity with all katas (12).  Performing fluid and energetic with detail knowledge evident.  Interact with class by instructing when requested.

4^th kyu              Showing aptitude to perform katas.  Desire to make sword part of their integrated movements. Continuing improvements, understanding and participation in class.

5^th kyu              Continuing learning, attendance, familiar with some kata and able to perform nukisuke, kiriorshi, chiburi and noto.

“SAMPLE”

   Test Requirements  -  5^th Kyu  (1^st testing)

1.  Provide written answers:  (Not to exceed 5 sentences each)

                a. Why study Iaido?

                b. How is your training applicable outside of class?

                c. What are the names of the four parts of all iaido katas?

2.    Know dojo and sword etiquette.

3.        Know sword parts and 1-6 kata names.

4.        Be able to perform etiquette and katas 1-6.

Order of testing:

1.        Enter - bow to test board.

2.        Approach test board when signaled.

3.        Answer questions.

4.        Step back to start line.

5.        Perform shomen ni rei and torei.

6.        Wait in seiza for signal to start.

7.        Wait after performing katas (in seiza) for signal to finish rei.

8.        Perform torei and shomen ni rei.

9.        Bow to test board – Exit.

You will be asked if you want to say anything after all testing is complete.