IAIDO
What is Iaido?
Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing the sword
Often translated as 'the art of mental presence and immediate response"
It has an unbroken lineage dating back to the sixteenth century
Our dojo teaches Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū - the most widely practiced style
WHY PRACTICE IAIDO?
Iaido is a non-contact martial art, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels
It develops strength, balance, co-ordination and suppleness
Physical strength is less important than the mental maturity and self-discipline to persevere
Emphasis is placed equally on the student's mental state - '居 iai' - and physical actions - '道 dō'
HOW DO I LEARN?
Iaido is practiced through a series of solo 'katas' - a choreographed patterns of movements where you are faced with an imaginary opponent
We begin by practicing Seitei Kata - a series of 12 standardised katas used by all Iaido schools for grading purposes
As you advance we will study the Koryu (old -style) katas of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū
Many of the katas begin from a kneeling position, however they can be adapted to a standing position
Iaidō does not include direct competition or sparring of any kind. Because of this non-competitive aspect, and it’s emphasis on precise, controlled, fluid motion, it is sometimes referred to as “moving Zen.”