What is an IAI sword?

What is an IAI sword?

Iaidō (居合道), abbreviated iai (居合), is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks. Iaidō 居合道いあいどう

What is the art of drawing a sword?

Iaijutsu (居合術) is a combative quick-draw sword technique. This art of drawing the Japanese sword, katana, is one of the Japanese koryū martial art disciplines in the education of the classical warrior (bushi).

What is the art of Japanese sword fighting called?

kendo
kendo, Japanese kendō (“way of the sword”), traditional Japanese style of fencing with a two-handed wooden sword, derived from the fighting methods of the ancient samurai (warrior class).

What is the point of iaido?

The purpose of iaido isn’t about swordsmanship or active combat, but rather the ability to maintain a high state of awareness and quickly draw your sword in response to a threat. Japanese martial arts practitioners acknowledge that a sword is only useful for fending away threats if you can draw it in a timely manner.

What is the difference between kendo and iaido?

Historically, although kendo and iaido are both sports that compete using swords, the daily practices and matches have many differing points. Kendo is about facing the opponent and striking each other, but iaido aims for beauty and perfection in form. This is the biggest difference.

How many Japanese sword styles are there?

Eight Traditional Sword Fighting Styles for a Samurai.

Can you practice iaido alone?

Can I study iaido alone? No. Iai / iaido / iaijutsu requires in-person tuition from a qualified instructor or the designated representative of one. Qualifications come in many forms but for modern iaido it often comes from a national or regional federation.

Are there belts in iaido?

Iaido is also widely practiced with Kendo and Iaijutsu. Class is stated with formal bowing to the teacher (sensei ni rei) and then to the sword (to rei) both done in kneeling position. The formal uniform is a keiko and hakama, with the sword secured in the belt. The belt which signifies rank is worn on the sword.