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

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

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