Iaido

Iaido [ee-eye-do] (居合道) is the art of drawing a Japanese sword from its scabbard to obtain advantage over an opponent.

Nowadays Iaido represents the intrinsic form of Japanese Budo and is used as a form of mental and physical discipline, emphasising correct technique and form and character development. The study of Iaido encourages strength, balance, co-ordination and suppleness.

Since Iaido is practiced with a weapon, the training is based on kata (set forms). Each form represents a different combat scenario.

The characters for Iaido (居合道) can be translated as “the way of mental presence and harmonious action” or “the way of harmonious being”.

Source: British Kendo Association: Iaido

http://www.britishkendoassociation.com/iaido/

Most laido Dojo's are part of a characteristic style or school.

In the UK there are two main sword schools, Muso Shinden Ryu and Muso Juikden Eishin Ryu, with Hokuto Genbukan practicing "Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu"

Like most other Dojo's in the UK , Europe and Japan, Hokuto Genbukan also practice a set of basic forms known as "Seitei " Kata (standardised forms), These kata form the basis of our training and gradings particularly in the early years of practice.

Iaido Kata contain four fundamental parts:

· Nukitsuke - the horizontal cutting action

· Kiritsuke - the vertical downward cutting action

· Chiburi - the application of shaking blood from the blade

· Noto - the replacement of the sword in the scabbard (saya)

Iaido is normally practised wearing a hakama (baggy pleated trousers) and Keiko gi (training jacket). An obi (sword belt) is worn under the hakama cords. There is no indication of grade by any means in the clothing. A zekken (badge) is worn on the left chest indicating your name and club,