![]() ![]() ![]() When testing for a new grade, practitioners must perform a set number of techniques for a panel of judges, who decide whether the challenger has met the required level of proficiency. The next rank, obtained after a year of practice, is shodan or 1st- dan, followed by 2nd- dan, 3rd- dan, and so on, up to the top rank of 8th- dan (in the All-Japan Kendo Federation system other federations may have different ranking schemes). Gradings and Competitions Iaido ranks typically begin with 1st kyu. It is generally recognized, however, that graceful movements are efficient ones, and efficient movements can be performed the most quickly. Different schools may place different emphasis on speed, or on “beautiful” technique. In each case, the objective is to dispatch opponents who are intent on killing you, and always without giving the enemy any openings or weak points to take advantage of.įor this reason, it is vitally important to be aware of your posture and positioning, and to move efficiently with maximum power. ![]() Or, they may deal with difficult situations, such as moving around obstacles, or being in a darkened room. Later kata may become more complex, adding multiple attackers approaching from various directions. For example, the beginning kata in many schools has one opponent sitting facing you. Each kata deals with a specific situation. Iaido forms generally have 4 parts: the draw and initial cut, called nukitsuke the finishing downward stroke, kiriotoshi a symbolic cleaning of blood from the blade, chiburi or chiburui and noto, resheathing the blade. Then, when real combat arose, the swordsman could respond instinctively without needing to think. By repeatedly practicing set forms, users would internalize the logical application of the techniques to various situations, and perfect their basic movements. Martial arts in medieval Japan were traditionally practiced using kata or forms. In either case, Sensei will offer points of correction to help you move closer to the ideal technique. This may be done in unison with the group, or individually and at your own pace. Sessions will often start with a review and practice of basic cutting, and then move to forms practice. Real Japanese swords are both dangerous and expensive, so it is usually only after practicing for a number of years (typically upon reaching 4th- or 5th- dan) that iaidoka switch to using a real blade.Īfter stretching and warming up, practice begins with a bow to shomen, the “high point” of the room, a bow to Sensei, and a bow of respect to one’s sword. Learners may start with a bokuto (wooden sword) or a mogito – a practice sword designed for iaido that has the balance and weight of a katana but with an unsharpened blade made from a sturdy zinc alloy. Kendo teaches distance and timing with a live opponent, while iaido teaches correct use of a real sword.īeginners will start by learning correct posture, footwork, and etiquette, and how to properly hold and cut with the sword. Iai and kendo have a special relationship, and are sometimes said to be “Two wheels of the same cart,” with many people practicing both arts. The largest group is the Iaido section of the All-Japan Kendo Federation. Iaido was outlawed by the occupation forces after World War II, but after the art was reinstated, iaidoka created groups to standardize practice. Each has its own stylistic differences and approach to training. Today, the most popular are Muso Shinden-ryu, Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Tamiya-ryu, and Mugai-ryu, but dozens, if not hundreds, of other styles exist. In the 16th century, Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu founded Shin Muso Hayashizaki-ryu, a school of iaido that spread across Japan and branched off into numerous other traditions or ryuha. Schools of swordsmanship developed that placed a great emphasis on the initial draw-and-cut. Batto (“sword drawing”) was taught as one of the many martial arts required for samurai. ![]() The exquisite sharpness of the Japanese sword meant that fights could end an instant after they began, so quick actions with no wasted motions meant the difference between life and death. But when these weapons failed, or when fighting came down to close-quarter combat, the ability to swiftly draw one’s sword and attack was essential. On the battlefields of medieval Japan, samurai were armed with various weapons such as bows, spears, halberds, and eventually firearms. ![]()
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