When the Japanese feudal system dissolved and Japan began to modernize, modern Japanese Swordsmanship had a great desire to be preserved and thus several governing organizations were created in Japan. Shogo Kuniba learned Mugai Ryu Iaido from Ishii Gogetsu, and contains kata not traditionally taught in other branches. The style that we teach in this program is Mugai Ryu founded in 1680. Practicing Iaido engages the mind and body fully. The way of learning to draw the Japanese sword becomes a practice in refining the self. There are several different ryu (styles/schools) of Iaido. In Japanese martial arts the term way refers to a path of self-development or cultivation. What’s Iaido In ancient Japan the need to be able to defend oneself from a sudden attack led to the development of techniques to quickly draw the sword from its saya (scabbard). Iaido was created in the mid-1500s, widely recognized with the founder as Hayashizaki Kinsuke Shigenobu. Iaido is known as 'the way of sword drawing.' In practice, it is the way of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword. Iaido is often practiced in combination with Kendo and cutting arts to supplement the 12 kata practice. Iaido is a classical Japanese Sword art that is still practiced today. It was created for Samurai to hone their skills in social settings, or in places of comfort, where the mindset that one should be ever ready to face conflict was created. Usually done from a seated/kneeling position. Iaido is the drawing, cutting, and replacing of the sword.
It is the focus of the practitioner to maintain a clear and focused mind, ever ready to face opposition in life or in battle. There are 12 kata in total that are practiced in Iaido. Iaido is known as 'the way of sword drawing.'In practice, it is the way of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword.In Japanese martial arts the term way refers to a path of self-development or cultivation.The way of learning to draw the Japanese sword becomes a practice in refining the self.
In this section you will find a full tutorial on learning Iaido and the Sword Kata involved. Unlike kendo, or similar Samurai arts, the sport aspect is disregarded and the art was traditionally honed by samurai to ensure their life was preserved in sudden attacks while seated. Iaido, is a Japanese art that historically focuses on being able to quickly draw and utilize the sword.