Category: Iaido
The Progression of Iaido Training
Beginning, Testing, Kenshu, Instructing This section is especially for new students who may be confused about some of the principles and practices of Iai-Tate-Do training. The intricacies of rank and the shouted instructions in Japanese may add to that confusion. The new student may be mystified about things like when to bow and countless otherContinue Reading The Progression of Iaido Training
Seita Gata Forms of ZNKR
Folding the Hakama
How should I fold my Hakama when I’ve finished training? The folding of your Hakama following training can serve as a cooling down period, a time to reflect while performing a repetitive, somewhat meditative task. It also serves to keep your Hakama looking good by sharpening the Hida (pleats), flattening out the Himo (strings) andContinue Reading Folding the Hakama
The Hakama
The Hakama was originally used in Japan by horseback riders to protect their legs from brush, brambles, etc. It was also used for formal occasions. Today the Hakama is worn outside of Japan mostly by Aikido, Iaido, Aiki-Jujutsu and a few other martial arts groups. The Hakama is worn in Iaido both for symbolism andContinue Reading The Hakama
History of the Iai-Tate-Do
Iai-Tate-Do literally translates as the way of mental presence coming together in the battlefield. It is the culmination of a number of traditional Koryu or traditional Japanese school of martial arts. This culmination includes such Koryu as Omori-Ryu and Muso Eishin-Ryu, but is mainly based on the Kashima Shinto-Ryu and Suio-Ryu systems. The Iai-Tate-Do FederationContinue Reading History of the Iai-Tate-Do
Dojo Etiquette – Reishiki
Tradition, Respect, and Discipline One of the most important aspects of the study of Budo is learning to discipline our own behaviors and improve self-control. A prime example of this discipline is the tradition that we observe that is often confused with worship. Iaido is not a religious practice. When we bow or observe specialContinue Reading Dojo Etiquette – Reishiki