![iaido definition iaido definition](https://www.seishinkan-iaido.com/uploads/5/4/7/5/54753247/90085028-3195222810488102-6691435996354969600-o_orig.jpg)
An adept of Iai seeks not only to cut through his enemies but rather cut through his own delusions first. Through a controlled flow of movement, the practitioner seeks to unite his spirit, the action, and the sword, Through this unification the sword becomes a tool to forge the human character. Also there are many waza in modern Kendo which were originally techniques of the Hokushin Itto-ryu. Due to the popularity and the large number of students of the Hokushin Itto-ryu at the end of the Edo-period, this kind of practice contributed greatly to the spread of shinai and bogu all over Japan. A beginner’s performance reveals lack of control and rigidity while a master’s appear effortless and natural.Ĭhiba Shusaku Narimasa, founder of the Hokushin Itto-ryu introduced Gekiken (full contact duels with shinai and bogu) to the curriculum of this koryu in the 1820s. Techniques are highly refined, simple and direct. By practicing in a repetitive manner the practitioner learns and develops technique. Each form represents a different combat scenario. Since Iaido is practiced with a weapon, the training is based on kata (set forms). The study of Iaido encourages strength, balance, co-ordination and suppleness.
![iaido definition iaido definition](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lrNeIFvOx3Y/maxresdefault.jpg)
Nowadays Iaido represents the intrinsic form of Japanese Budo and is used as a form of mental and physical discipline, emphasising correct technique and form and character development. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (1542-1621), like Iizasa Choisai, is reputed to have received a divine inspiration, which led to the development of his art. The sword is drawn to defend one’s self, to control or to kill an enemy in the most efficient way. Iaido as we know it today probably began with Iizasa Choisai, the founder of the Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu. If the sword is straight and true, the heart is straight and true.Iaido (居合道) is the art of drawing a Japanese sword from its scabbard to obtain advantage over an opponent.
![iaido definition iaido definition](http://yesofcorsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/aikido_desktop_wallpaper_9-1024x683.jpg)
This is expressed in holding and manipulating the blade correctly. They are both needed and exhibit a dichotic nature when expressed in balance. In regards to the use of the sword, the right hand is the jitsu, (the real), the left hand is kyo, ( the emptiness). With each cut we aim to cut away more of our inner weaknesses and leave behind our true self. Thus, each cut should embody some realness, displayed in our careful attention to hasuji, or we are merely swing the sword, and ignoring the Bu aspect of our chosen way.
![iaido definition iaido definition](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5b/97/e6/5b97e6937eacc7b293d0b945ce31c031.jpg)
Iaido is a modern budo with the goal of character improvement, but we still use a sword, and instrument solely designed to cut. We see this in the angle at which the sword is drawn, the angle of nukitsuke, of kiriorishi, and the numerous cuts in various katas. Placing an emphasis on the details is at the core of iaido practice and none more that the angle at which the blade moves. When using an iaito or shinken that has a bo-hi (a groove), the sword will not make a sound if the angle is changed while perfuming a cut. In iaido, it is paramount to focus on this to ensure that one cuts with the blade and not with the shinogi/side. Ha-suji tadashiku is defined simply as the correct angle of the cut, particularly as it enters and exits the opponents.