Iaido : The Way of Awareness in the Moment.
Iaido is the art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese sword, although the literal definition shows its true focus is on maintaining awareness in any situation and defeating your own mind. It is a very traditional Japanese discipline where attention to detail and correct form are essential in demonstrating effective technique, strong spirit and control of your body.
Iaido is based around numerous 'kata' or set forms, some of which are relatively modern while others have been passed down through sword schools in Japan for centuries. Most Iaido kata are performed solo - you do not have a 'live' opponent to strike - and start from standing and seated positions. There are also sets of paired kenjitsu kata.
Each solo kata contains common features which are applied in different ways:
Nukitsuke/Nukiuchi: drawing and cutting in a single motion, either slowly (to dominate the opponent) or quickly (reacting to his attack).
Kiritsuke: further cut(s) against one or more opponents
Chiburui: simulated removal of blood from the blade
Noto: returning the blade to the scabbard
To create a real, combative feeling all of these actions should be performed while maintaining concentration and awareness throughout the kata. Iaido is much more than learning Japanese sword techniques, it is Budo and every action is made as if it were real. Most forms are based around a particular situation and they are practiced until the sword and movement are performed from a state of mushin or "no mind".
Iaido practitioners wear the traditional hakama and keikogi in black, white or Kendo blue. Beginners use a wooden sword (bokuto) for safety reasons, allowing the early forms to be learned without risk of personal injury. When they are ready they move on to a blunt, metal practice blade, the iaito. It is only when they have attained a relatively high grade that they will use a sharp edged 'shinken'.
The study of Iaido encourages strength, balance, co-ordination and suppleness as well as building similar mental benefits to Kendo. Iaido is a non-contact art and men and women can practice together safely.
What To Expect
No two sessions are the same and a lot depends on who is there and what the purpose of the training is. You can expect everyone to warm up together before the beginners and the main group separate. The beginners are then taught the basics while the more experienced people will usually work on particular forms or aspects of Iaido. Sessions often finish with some people doing a demonstration in front of everyone else.
Initial instruction is on the etiquette (reiho) of handling a Japanese sword; how to bow with it, how to put it into your belt and how to take it out again. The next stage concentrates on holding the sword, cutting, basic footwork and body movement, which is then translated into learning the first kata. These basics will usually be repeated many times over the following weeks which may be repetitive, even boring, but it is absolutely essential.
The first few years of Iaido training focus on twelve 'seitei' kata. These are modern forms developed to allow Iaido practitioners from different traditional schools to train and compete together. In time people are introduced to more traditional 'koryu' techniques. Ojika dojo follows the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu school in the style of Oshita Masakazu sensei, 8th dan Kyoshi and the head of our lineage. This is one of two styles followed in the British Kendo Association, the other being Muso Shinden Ryu under Ishido Shizufumi sensei, 8th dan Hanshi. These amazing sensei come to the UK annually to pass their knowledge on to us, and as a result standards of Iaido are improving and numbers increasing.
Seminars and Competitions
Seminars are an important part of Iaido training and these are held around the UK in places such as Devon, Brighton and Darlington. Many seminars are based around grading, and participants will usually train with people of a similar level under the tuition of a high grade, usually 6th or 7th dan, before attempting an examination. Other seminars focus purely on particular aspects of Iaido, such as an individual teacher's style or a particular set of koryu kata.
Iaido is a martial art, not a sport, but unlike Kendo or Jodo there can be no actual contact between practitioners. However, there is a competition side to Iaido which many people enjoy through both team and individual events. In competitions two people perform together, but only one will win. Competition (shiai) is not essential, but it does give a focus to training that is different from weekly keiko and grading. All full BKA members are eligible to attend UK Iaido Squad training events and train with many of the most experienced Iaidoka in the country.
Both grading and competition are important aspects of training as they put pressure on the person and on their Iaido. They are similar in that kata are performed in front of judges who assess performance against a number of criteria including technical correctness, fighting spirit and depth of understanding. In gradings people are judged against the level required to pass the examination they are taking.
Swords and the Law
Following headline grabbing incidents involving 'Samurai Swords' new laws were introduced into the UK in 2008 which made it illegal to sell, manufacture, lend or import single bladed, curved swords over 50cm in length - i.e. Japanese style blades. However, there are exceptions to these rules that permit genuine martial artists and collectors to legitimately buy and own such swords. To qualify for these exemptions Iaido practitioners must belong to an organisation such as the BKA, as this provides them with the appropriate insurance and reason for ownership. Please note that membership of a martial arts organisation that is not specifically sword related e.g. karate will not provide the same level of insurance. BKA membership must be taken out before purchasing a sword, even a blunt training blade, and no sword is allowed in the dojo without first being inspected by an instructor.
Common Beginners' Questions
What Do I Need?
Equipment including bokuto and knee pads is available for use by club members. Beginners should come along in track suit bottoms and t-shirt, there is no need to buy or bring anything apart from yourself. If you decide Iaido is for you then there are plenty of people who can advise on what to purchase and where to buy from. There are sometimes second hand items for sale so it's always worth asking around before spending your hard-earned cash.
Am I too Old/Young?
We take beginners from age 16 in Iaido, although in special circumstances younger people can and do join in. As Iaidoka use real Japanese swords we have to be very careful who we teach techniques to; self discipline is essential where potentially dangerous weapons are concerned.
There is no maximum age to beginning Iaido, it's quite common for people in their 30s, 40s and beyond to begin training. Of course older people don't always move as easily or learn as quickly as teenagers, but this is understood by all instructors. Iaido is for everyone and requirements and expectations are measured against your own capabilities.
What About Fitness?
You don't have to be fast or strong for Iaido, in fact sheer muscle power is seen as undesirable and ineffective. Efficient movement of the sword and body take time to understand and develop, but brute strength is not good technique.
Iaido will not get you fit although it can be a mild cadio workout and it is definitely mentally tiring; try Kendo, running or other forms of cardio exercise to help you build stamina and speed or lose weight. Doing Iaido helps develop other qualities including patience, balance and core strength, but it won't help you run for the bus any faster!
I Have Bad Knees, Can I Train?
Yes, people who can't kneel can train in the standing Iaido kata. Some people have found that knee and ankle problems have eased over time as their joints get used to moving.
Do You Run Courses?
No, new starters can turn up any time and join the existing beginners. An instructor will take charge of the beginners and over time people will become ready to join the main group.
Is It Dangerous?
No, Iaido is one of the safest martial arts you can do. It is very rare for injury to occur although certain positions can put strain on the joints and back until you are familiar with them. Only very experienced Iaidoka use sharp swords and instructors will ensure training is done in a safe environment, so the chance of any beginner being harmed is negligible.
What About Grading?
The grading stages in Iaido pass through six kyu and (potentially) eight dan grades in a lifetime of study. The low grades are quite easy to pass, the high grades are extremely difficult challenges and are the result of decades of study and dedication. The pass rate in Japan for 8th dan is less than one percent!
The kyu grades are the equivalent of coloured belts in other martial arts such as Judo, Karate and Aikido. However, in Iaido no actual coloured belts are worn, new practitioners wear exactly the same clothing as high grade sensei. Also kyu grades are not seen as stepping stones that you must pass one-by-one before becoming a 'black belt'. The lower grades (6th to 2nd kyu) can be awarded within a dojo, but for adults these are usually ignored. Most people who train regularly can expect to take their 1st kyu examination in front of an external panel in twelve to eighteen months, 1st Dan can be taken three months later. If this seems quick compared to other martial arts then it is, in Judo etc 1st dan can take years to reach so don't think of it as a direct equivalent of a 'black belt' . In Iaido 1st dan shows a grasp of the fundamentals rather than being a high grade.
All grades are awarded by the British Kendo Association and are recognised by the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei, European Kendo Federation and all national organisations affiliated to the ZNKR. Gradings are assessed by panels of high level practitioners, usually of 4th dan and above, and are awarded to those who meet the specified requirements.
If you would like to try Iaido at Ojika please email so we can plan for your first session.
Where:
Chillingham Road Primary School
Ninth Avenue
Heaton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 5XL
When:
Thursday 19:30 - 21:30pm
Instructors:
Gavin Thriepland, 5th Dan Iaido
Martin Chambers, 5th Dan Iaido
John Burn, 4th Dan Iaido
Paul Maddison, 4th Dan Iaido
Sempai:
Peter Schuster, 3rd Dan Iaido
Sean Gray, 3rd Dan Iaido
