IAIDO
The way of drawing the sword
The art of the Samurai, the noble warriors of feudal Japan, who formed the personal army of each lord. Courageous warriors, tough, totally devoted to their lord and Bushido (code of honor), as well as inextricably bound to their sword (Katana).
From ages lost deep in time, the Iai (sword) has emerged as the great sword art of Japan. An art passed down from generation to generation.
The one referred to as the founder and creator of the Iai tradition some 400 years ago is Hayashizaki Shigenobu, who after revealing the ultimate truth from the very nature of Iai during his prayer, systematized Iai as an independent Bujutsu (martial art ).
From that period through a large number of traditional schools that taught this particular art, about 25 remain today.
The necessity of evolution
The necessity of developing Iai as a martial art was created in battle, when Samurai fought on horseback, armed with spears and Naginata. But if they broke or lost these weapons, they had to quickly draw their swords to defend themselves. This led to the development of techniques with the specific weapons. Techniques that ensured they were drawn very quickly in a surprise attack and were part of many old complex schools of martial arts, which as far as the sword was concerned had to do with sword fighting and Samurai weaponry.
There were and are many different schools, as well as different styles such as: Tamiya Ryu, Muso Shiden Ryu, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, etc.
It takes a lifetime of study to achieve perfection in a style.
Purpose of Iaido
But even more important than the techniques is the spiritual practice. The purpose of Iaido is not to cut an enemy, but rather to cut the enemy within you.
In Iaido the winner is the one whose heart does not have revenge drawing the sword.
In other words Iai is the process of training towards human perfection, not through murderous drive but through peaceful mind.
In modern times the attribution for Iaido is peace and tranquility, serenity for human life. It is the way of living in harmony with the universe.
It is also a way of character formation achieved through the practice of the law of Ken (sword).
Full spiritual energy should be what the Iaido practitioner gets in the right and serious way while simultaneously training body and spirit.
Kindness and reliability are characteristics of great importance to Iaido.
The cultivation of the mind in everyone must always be done with good will and positive intention.
The purpose of practicing Iaido is to become a wonderful human being who can contribute to society. This includes training the mind, the body as well as hardening the personality.
