Iaido Guidelines Memo
by Masano SUETSUGU
Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan
Iaido Kyoshi 7 Dan
Fukuoka Kendo Renmei, Kyushu Japan

Note: This text was 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.