Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu-- Iaido

Iaido, a Japanese sword drawing art, is best understood in the larger context of Japanese history. 

The word Iaido is made up of three parts: i= being, ai= harmony, and do= way. Although there are numerous  definitions explaining the meaning of iaido, “the way of harmonizing oneself in action” proves clear and useful.  Even though the specific term did not appear until 1932, the roots of the art date back as far as the 1500’s.  Unlike kenjutsu which largely encompasses sword arts in general and typically in a fashion where both  opponents bare drawn swords prior to engaging in combat, the purpose and function of Iaido is to draw and  strike the opponent in one movement. The four basic components to Iaido practice are: the draw (nuki-tsuke),  the cut (kiri-tsuke), the ‘blood’ cleaning (chiburi), and the re-sheathing of the sword (noto). Together, these four  parts, combined with the proper mental and physical focus, work to produce an expression of the individual’s  state of readiness. This state of readiness is further characterized by action that is complete, committed, right  or just, and without premeditation. In short, iaido can be viewed as a method, or way, of cultivating a state of  being that is devoted to the study, understanding, and practice of the nature of action.

In this context, Iaido is a form of Japanese swordsmanship whose physical techniques are steeped in equally  demanding ethics born from a history that acknowledges its necessity, for it is not the sound use of a weapon  that requires the need for etiquette, but rather its potential misuse that demands it.

For information, seminars, or training contact Ryan Vella at nskriaido@gmail.com. NSKR Iaido training is open exclusively to Black Belt level students registered with the CBBA/SKKI. https://youtu.be/7oog_8IaV5w