Iaido is a martial art that studies the internal and external movements associated with drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword.
Iaido is practiced by the repetition and perfection of predetermined movements in sequences called kata. These kata represent the opportunity to practice mental focus, physical endurance, and to understand ideal sword movement.
Araki Mujinsai Ryu Iaido consists of 30 sitting kata, 26 standing kata, and 13 paired kata.
To practice we wear a keikogi (jacket), obi (belt), hakama (skirt-like trousers), and knee pads. We generally train with a blunt practice sword although upper level students sometimes train with a sharp blade.
There are four general movements common in iaido kata:
1) Nukitsuke- simultaneous drawing of the sword from the sheath and initial cutting stroke
2) Kirioroshi- overhead cut
3) Chiburi- a movement of the sword symbolizing the removal of blood
4) Noto- re-sheathing
Please feel free to contact us if you want to sit in on one of our classes. We welcome friends and family to watch and learn more about this art.