Iaido

The art of Iaido [pronounced ee-i-do) is elegant and would appear to be simple. The student sits or stands quietly, draws out a blade and cuts through the air all in one motion, then puts the sword back into the scabbard. To the casual observer, there is not a lot to see. Iaido, however, is an exacting art which demands a high level of focus and mental concentration. It is an art of precise motions with only centimetres of tolerance and split second timing. It is also an individual art that involves the student and the sword struggling to achieve perfection of form. Beyond this physical aspect, Iaido is also "budo" - a philosophically oriented Japanese "martial way". The name “Iaido” itself is composed of three ideograms: “I”, “AI” and “DO”. “I” means to “reside” or “be” in a certain place; “AI” means “harmony”; and “DO” means “road” or “path”. Hence, “Iaido” means the path to finding harmony in any situation in which one finds oneself – to be prepared for any eventuality. Overcoming hardships, meeting challenges with strength of spirit and integrity, are part of the path (do) inherent in Iaido.

Training in Iaido

Two schools of Iaido are taught at the AYC: the traditional forms of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu, which originated in the late 16th century, and the modern forms developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation, known as Zen Ken Ren Iai. The following is a brief history of both schools.

Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (Traditional School): [pronounced MU-so JEE-kee-den ay-EE-shin reeyuh) The man generally credited with originating Iaido is Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu who lived circa 1546 to 1621 and developed what are now known as the Oku Iai techniques. From his teachings, many schools or ryu developed over the years. The Eishin Ryu and Omori Ryu techniques were developed during the 17th century by the 7th headmaster, Hasegawa Eishin, and Omori Rokurozaemon Masamitsu respectively. The 9th headmaster, Hayashi Rokudayu Morimasa brought these 3 sets of techniques to Tosa province where the school originates. In the early part of the 20th century (c. 1912 -1926), the 17th headmaster, Oe Masamichi, gave the school its current name - Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu - and organised it into the current 3 level system: introductory Omori techniques, intermediate Eishin techniques and the advanced Oku Iai techniques - in total, including variations, approximately 60 waza or kata. The name Iaido itself did not become popular until the 1930's.

Zen Ken Ren Iai (Modern Forms): In 1968 the All Japan Kendo Federation, which supports and governs most Iaido schools in Japan, developed a set of 7 techniques by a committee consisting of high ranking instructors from 3 different Iaido schools (Muso Shinden Ryu, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Hoki Ryu). The set was named "Sei Tei Gata" or "representative forms". Later, 3 more techniques were added and the set was renamed Zen Ken Ren Iai. In 2001, 2 more techniques were added for a total of 12 waza. These forms have become the common element for grading and shiai and are taught at the introductory level.

Iaido Class Schedule

DATE	TIME	CLASS
Monday
Tuesday	8:00pm - 9:30pm	Iaido
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday	8:00pm - 9:30pm	Iaido
Saturday
Sunday	Check Notice Board	Reserved for Special Events

Please visit our Classes section to download a copy of the complete AYC Class Schedule.

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