Iaido Guidelines Memo
by Masano SUETSUGU
Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan
Iaido Kyoshi 7 Dan
Fukuoka Kendo Renmei, Kyushu Japan
Note:
This text we written in 1993 prior to the introduction of seite
forms #11 & #12.
Iaido no igi, The Significance of Iaido
The aim of iaido is to achieve mental and technical perfection
through practicing principles of Japanese sword drawing,
cutting and resheathing the Nihon Toh (Japanese sword,
katana). The
goal of iaido is to develop a mental state, which enables
a freely and correctly executed intuitive reaction to any
situation.
This is called Munen Muso, which comes from correctly practicing
iai using your sword and body. Munen Muso means no thought
no self conscieness. It refers to a strong character capable
of maintaining a calm and controlled state of mind in all
situations (sitting, walking, etc.). Development of such
a state allows
instant reaction to changing circumstances. With this intent
practice develops a person’s character.
Toh no toriatsukaikata, Handling the Sword
The Nihon Toh, Japanese sword, is used to defend oneself.
It is used to attack and cut the opponent instantly,
at the moment
the koiguchi (mouth of the scabbard) is opened. Therefore
it is most important to handle the sword correctly.
Enbu ni atatte no saho no nagare, Demonstration Procedure
and Etiquette
Take your position for performing the enbu (demonstration)
with your sword at your side. Bow toward the kamiza (dojo
shomen) while standing. After facing toward the required
direction
do “hajime no toh rei” (starting bow, in seiza),
(place sword in obi & tie the sageo cord) and then start
the enbu. When finished performing the enbu do “owari
no toh rei” (finishing bow, in seiza). Do a standing
bow to the kamiza and then quietly leave the venue.
Rei Ho, Manners
First you enter the dojo with the sword in kei toh position
(sword on the left hip, thumb on tsuba) and bow to the
shinza (dojo shomen). Turn to right 45 degrees. Then
sit in seiza
and bow to the sword, toh rei. Place the sword into the
obi and perform the kata. On completion of the kata,
remove the
sword, while in seiza, and bow to the sword. stand up
and bow to tha shinza before leaving the dojo.
Rei Ho, Manners, details
Bow to Shinza
Face the shinza in kei toh position; change the sword
from the left to the right hand. The curve of the sword
should
face downward with your right arm, at your side, fully
extended. After the standing bow to the shinza return
the sword to
the
kei toh position.
Starting bow to the sword.
From the kei toh position sit down in sieza. Place the
sword in front of you with the tsuba to the right (edge
away from
you). Bow to the sword.
Finishing bow to the sword.
On completion of the enbu assume the seiza position.
Remove the sword from your obi and place it on the floor
in front
of you, with the tsuba to the left (edge toward you).
Bow to the sword. Pick up the sword, stand up and assume
the
kei toh
position.Iaido no kihon dousa, Iaido Fundamentals
Nuki tsuke, Drawing cut
Practice horizontal cuts to the opponent’s right
eye. Perfom sayabiki (pulling the scabbard back) with
left hand. Think of this as a forestalling or minor
technique.
Kiri tsuke, Finishing vertical cut.
Practice vertical cuts from the Jodan position.
Nuki uchi, Finishing diagonal cut.
Practice diagonal cuts from the opponent’s right
shoulder down to his left hip. Perfom sayabiki (pulling
the scabbard back) with left hand. This cut should
completely defeat the
opponent. Think of it as life threatening.
Chiburi, Blood Disposal (from the blade).
Practice shaking blood off the sword by diagonal and
horizontal movements.
No Toh, Resheath the sword.
Returning the sword into the saya by aligning the sword
with the koiguchi (mouth of the scabbard).
Move the hands apart
quickly until reachng the kissaki (sword
tip). Rotate both right and left hands as you return
the sword
back to the “ready
to cut” position. Beginners be
sure to practice this slowly, speed
comes only
after
perfecting
the motion.
Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Iai, All Japan Kendo Federation
Iai.
Ippon me, Mae (front)
First feeling threatened by the enemy sitting in front,
deliver a horizontal cut to the temple and then cut down
vertically.
Nihon me, Ushiro (back)
First feeling threatened by the enemy sitting behind,
turn counter clockwise, deliver a horizontal cut to the
temple
and then cut down vertically.
Sanbon me, Uke nagashi (parry block)
The enemy sitting on your left, suddenly stands up and
attacks. You parry the attack
with the shinogi (side of the sword),
then make a diagonal downward
cut from the opponent’s
left shoulder to his right hip.
Yonhon me, Tsuka ate (handle strike)
Strike the enemy in his solar plexus with the hilt of
the sword handle (kashira), then stab the enemy, behind
you,
in his solar
plexus. Turn back to the front and make a vertical cut
downward to the initial opponent.
Gohon me, Kesa giri (diagonal cut)
When the enemy, in front, raises his sword, make a reverse
cut from his right hip to his left shoulder. Then quickly
reverse the sword and make a downward diagonal cut from
his left shoulder
to right hip (this is the kesa giri cut).
Roppon me, Morote tsuki (2 hand thrust)
While walking you feel threatened by three people. Two
in front and on behind. First make a diagonal cut downward
across
the
face (his right temple to his left jaw) of the 1st opponent
in front. Then make a two handed thrust to the solar
plexus of the same man. Next turn and make a downward
cut to the
head of the man in the rear. Turn back to the front and
make a downward
cut to the head of the third, and last, opponent.
Nanahon me, Sanpo giri (3 direction cut)
While walking forward you feel threatened by three men,
one in front, one to the right and one to the left. first
you
make a downward diagonal cut to the face of the man on
the right.
Next turn and make a downward cut to the head of the
man on the left. Turn right, to the front, and make a
downward
cut
to the head of the man before you.
Hachihon me, Ganmen ate (strike to the face),
While walking you feel threatened by a man in the front,
so you strike him in the forehead (between the eyes)
with the
kashira (sword hilt). Then stab a man behind you. Turn
towards him and stab him in the solar plexus. Turn back
to the front
and make a downward cut to the initial opponent in the
front.
Kyuhon me, Soete tsuki (assisting hand thrust)
While walking you feel threatened by a man on your left,
so you make a diagonal cut across his chest. Then make
a two handed
thrust (left hand on the back of the blade) to his stomach.
Jyuppon me, Shiho giri (4 directions cut)
While walking you feel threatened by four men. Two are
diagonally in front and two diagonally behind you. Strike
the wrist
of the man to your right front and then stab the man
to your left
rear. Turn back to the right front opponent and make
a downward cut to his head. Turn and make another downward
cut to the
head of the right rear opponent. Turn and make a final
downward cut to the head of the left front opponent.
