Iaido

Histoire

Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword and cutting in one movement, then cleaning the blade and returning it to the scabbard. Tradition credits Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu, in the 16th century, as its founder.

Old schools such as Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu and Muso Shinden-ryu are still practised. The All Japan Kendo Federation created a standard set of forms (seitei iai), now 12, so kendo and iaido students learn a common base.

Le saviez-vous ?

• Iaido is practised alone, in forms (kata) against imaginary opponents.
• Beginners use an unsharpened practice sword (iaito); some experts cut with a real blade.
• In competitions two practitioners perform side by side and judges vote with flags.
• The four phases are: draw and cut (nukitsuke), finishing cut (kiritsuke), cleaning the blade (chiburi) and sheathing (noto).

Glossaire des techniques

Nukitsuke

draw and first cut

Kiritsuke

finishing cut

Chiburi

shaking the blood off the blade

Noto

returning the sword to the scabbard

Formes

Seitei iai (12 forms): Mae, Ushiro, Ukenagashi, Tsuka-ate, Kesagiri, Morotezuki, Sanpogiri, Ganmenate, Soetezuki, Shihogiri, Sogiri, Nukiuchi

Armes et équipement

Iaito

unsharpened practice sword

Shinken

real, sharp sword

Saya

scabbard

⚔ In the Arsenal

KatanaWakizashiBokkenHakama

☯ Philosophy and quotes

“See distant things as if they were close, and close things as if they were distant.”— Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings, Water scroll (1645)

“If your mind stops on your opponent's sword, you will be cut.”— Takuan Soho, The Unfettered Mind (letter to Yagyu Munenori) (c. 1632)

Musashi's nine rulesDokkodo: the way of walking alone (selection)The virtues of bushidoBudoShu-ha-riZanshinMushinMa-aiKatsujinkenSee all →

Figures clés

• Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (c. 1546–1621) — traditionally the founder of iaido

Sources: All Japan Kendo Federation (iaido) · International Kendo Federation