What is Iaido?

Home Page
 		What is Iaido?
 		Circular Motion and Friction
 		Physics of a Cut
 		Sources

Background

Iaido began in the mid-1500s. Most accept Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu as the founder of Iaido and Shinmei Muso Ryu School of Iaido. Other schools were created such as the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu School of Iaido. This school breaks up techniques into groups, some solo and some paired. Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu is one of the most widely practiced schools of Iai in the world today.

masamichi does ukigumo
 Oe Masamichi, 17th successor of Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu
Photo Credit: iaido.ru
Iaido has a single kata (technique) that reflects the four most critical movements in all techniques. This kata is called Mae, meaning “front” or “forward”. The person practicing the technique draws his/her sword forward facing an opponent, performs a horizontal cut (called nukitsuke), lifts the sword above his/her head and performs a downward cut (called kirioroshi), cleans the sword in a circular motion (called chiburui) and finally, sheathes the sword in a motion called noto.
blocking
Photo Credit: www.kendo-fik.org

Types of Swords
There are many different types of swords originating in Japan. This section will give a brief description of the three main categories of swords people use to practice Iaido.

Bokken
Bokken are wooden swords that are used for beginners, form practice, and paired practice. Bokken aren't sharp, usually have a plastic hand guard, and rest inside plastic sheaths. Sheaths for Japanese swords are called saya. For all three types of swords described in this section, saya have a small notch toward the opening. This notch is used to fasten the sword to the person with a cord called a sageo. Sageo were once used during combative situations but are now ornamental.
bokken saya sageo set
Photo Credit: www.e-bogu.com
Iaito
Iaito are the next level of swords. They are for intermediate students who are comfortable with the techniques. Unlike bokken, they are metal and have the same parts as a fully sharpened blade. Although the cutting side of the blade isn't sharpened, the tip of the sword is very pointed. Sloppy form can result in getting hurt when re-sheathing an iaito.
parts of a sword
Photo Credit: defense-arts-center.com
Shinken
Lastly, Shinken are the fully sharpened blades, also known as live blades. They are used for Iaijutsu, quick-draw techniques of combat and cutting practice known as tamashigiri. As a result of the razor sharpness, they are dangerous and should be used with caution.
shinken
Photo Credit: www.tozandoshop.com


Chloe Allan
Physics 211 - 2018
University of Alaska Fairbanks