Iaido is the art of drawing the sword. It was developed in the mid 16th century Japan by Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto Shigenobu. It was the quick draw method analogous to the gun-slingers of the Western world. The aim is to kill your opponent with a single cut. Before this method was developed Japanese warriors fought from a stance with the blades already drawn. There are still doubts as to the claim that Hayashizaki founded this technique. It was argued that the technique was around before his time. However that is purely historical and it is the practice of the art that is important.

The style I practice is called Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. This link contains thorough description of the art. I hold the rank of Shodan (1st Dan) which is the first obtainable rank. We are tought by Master Yasuyoshi Kimura of Meishinkan Iaido, Osaka.

At the moment the club is in a bit of trouble. I took a break from Iaido a couple of years ago fully intending to return. When I did I was dissappointed to find that the club has dissolved. There are only two graded members in Christchurch actively practising. I am one and the other is Andrew Shaw who is a Sandan (3rd Dan). We have two ungraded students, Craig McNeish and James (can't remember his surname).

Many people have asked me "What's the point of doing this?". It's true that there is no opponent and you don't get to hit or slice other people. Iaido has been best described as a moving meditation. You learn the kata and try to understand the purpose of every movement in the kata. Once you have done this the kata becomes one whole "movement". Through out the movement there is only you and your opponent. Everything else is shut out. I find this very relaxing. Other problems are forgotten and your whole world seems smaller and simpler. You can take out your frustation on your imaginary opponent and he won't even complain. Isn't that great?

However, you also have to spare time to perfect the movements. The thoughts of ideal sword movements is one thing and doing it is quite something else. Arm strength needs to be developed to be able to control your sword. My right arm is already over-developed compared to the left one due to early start in tennis. I find that although strength does help you definitely need a reasonable amount of flexibility and supleness. Sword cuts have to be done just right or you might as well bludgeon your enemy instead of slicing them to slivers suitable for sushi and the like.

I am definitely not clued up in the philosophy of Iaido. There are more knowledgable people out there who *really* get into the whole thing. Being a relative beginner I am slowly discovering the world of feudal Japan in order to understand the why and how they did it with the sword.

If you are interested in Iaido contact "Slice N' Dice R' Us" for more information :-). You can either email me (address at the bottom of this page) or call 03-343-1686 if you are in New Zealand.

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