Iaido Study Group
Muso Jikiden Eishin - Ryu Iaijutsu
The art of Japanese Swordsmanship
Iaido, or Iaijutsu, described simply, is the art of drawing the Japanese sword from the saya (scabbard) and in the same motion responding to the opponent’s attack—or dispatching the attacker— and then returning the sword to the saya gracefully and with dignity.
Iaido is not a competitive martial art—for obvious reasons– so the main focus during training is practicing a number of prearranged kata (forms) with concentration, awareness, and clarity. Through diligent repetition of these kata, one eventually comes to understand the true nature of the art.
Practicing the kata is done with the full spirit of cutting down one’s enemy. In the mind of the trainee, one’s solitary training against the imaginary opponent is a very real struggle where victory means life and defeat means death.
BEGINNERS:
Iaido is a martial art concerned with the handling of Japanese samurai swords. That sounds like quite a narrow and specialized subject. In fact, if you decide to give it a try you will find it quit broad.
The physical side consists of the various methods of drawing, cutting and defending. But you will also learn everything from wearing the sword to caring for it.
This then leads on to so much more. To understand the samurai sword, you must learn to appreciate it as a cultural artifact. The etiquette which surrounds it is a window onto a whole society. Similarly, by understanding the tactics behind the various moves, you gain an understanding of the psychology of the people who devised them.
Iaido is very old. The various moves and techniques were preserved centuries ago in drills called kata. These have been passed down from teacher to pupil by a constant process of demonstration and repetition. This is still the way it is done today.
Iaido is :
Safe:
There is no combative element. We do not hit each other.
Healthy:
The exercise is a steady aerobic workout. Supleness and posture are particularly emphasised.
Friendly:
Everybody trains at their own rate and to their own ability. Our aim is to keep our art alive so we help each other as much as possible.
Onshinkan Dojo
9152 Lousiana Street
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
telephone:
Aikido of Northern Indiana (219) 736-7854
Email: indiana@aikidoconnection.com
- Aikido Connection (has a good links page)
- Sakura Budokan Dojo
- West Virgina Aikido
- Aikido Association of America
- Aiki-Web
You are always welcome to come visit!
