About

  1. What is Iaido
  2. We teach traditional Iaido
  3. Protocol
    1. Start
    2. Dues
    3. Entering Training Space
    4. Stepping onto the Mat
    5. Stretching
    6. Line Up
    7. Bowing In
    8. Watching
    9. Practice
    10. Late
    11. Questions
  4. Visiting Another Dojo
  5. Terminology

What is Iaido

Iaido has been known by many names: Iai, mutual existence, Nukiai,simultaneous draw, as well as Battojutsu, and skill of sword drawing. Iaido, loosely interpreted as the way of drawing and cutting, is an elegant Japanese martial art that employs a sword as a tool to master one’s own ego. Iaido practitioners learn to control the sword in an effort to control their own minds and reactions to the obstacles and conflicts life presents.

Iaido is an ancient art first developed around the 1550’s in feudal Japan. This long tradition has been handed down through the ages in the Samurai warrior class and has a long tradition and culture.

Iaido today has been strongly influenced by the Zen philosophy and the teaching of Satsujin Ken Katsujin To, the “sword which preserves life and the sword which destroys.” Today’s Iaido emphasizes “the sword which preserves life” and the spiritual, technical, and physical aspects of the art.

We teach traditional Iaido

Through the samurai class, many styles of Iaido were created and passed down through the generations. The styles taught at Iaido Tanshinjuku are Muso Shinden Ryu and Toyama Ryu.

We do not teach improvisational or movie styles of sword play. We are a traditional Iaido school.

Protocol

Start

On Saturday the class starts promptly at 7:00 AM. If you can’t make a class please text the Dojo-cho. That means you need to get to the dojo no later than 6:45, to get dressed, pay dues, get on the mat and stretch out. Socialize off the mat.

Dues

Iaido Tanshinjuku is a proud member of the One Dojo, and all monthly dues are handled through them. Prices vary depending on the package selected. If you are only interested in Iaido ask about the bronze package.

In traditional dojos, dues are paid in advance, placed a labeled envelope (Japanese or Western) and handed to the Dojo-cho while bowing.

Entering Training Space

When entering practice space perform a standing bow in the doorway towards the Shomen with the sword held in the left hand. Sword is still in the bag. Once you enter, leave your problems behind and embrace your learning.

Stepping onto the Mat

  1. You will enter from the Joseki.
  2. Walk along the Shimoza to an open space.
  3. Sit in seiza, sword in bag and cleaning kit will be on left side.
  4. Bow towards Shomen.
  5. Turn 90 degrees place cleaning kit on Shimoza and take sword out of bag. Adjust sageo. Place sword on mat/Shimoza edge with curved edge towards Shomen with tsuka towards the Shimoseki. Fold your sword bag and place it under the cleaning kit.

Stretching

Stretch and loosen up, but do NOT put back to Shomen.

Line Up

Watch the Sensei. When they signal the class is ready to start, line up in seiza with sword on right facing the Shomen. In traditional dojos the senior student is towards the Shimoseki and the junior are towards the Joseki. We do not stress this.

Bowing In

Watch the Sensei and your Senpais.

Watching

If you are injured you are always welcome to watch a class. You can learn a lot by watching. You are training your eyes and mind.

Practice

RESPECT

Respect your Sensei or assigned Senpai. Learn from them; they have more experience than you do. If this is an issue perhaps you should consider another dojo.

LISTEN

Listen carefully to what the Sensei says. Even though they may not be talking to you it could still apply to you.

REMEMBER

Try to remember what you learn, consider using a journal. It can be frustrating for the Sensei to repeat themselves.

TALKING

Don’t talk to fellow students during class. Your Sensei/Senpai will be watching. They will notice if you have a question and prompt you. You can socialize before and after class.

BE AWARE

Be aware of your surroundings. Learn by watching, the Sensei may or may not explain things. Do your best to duplicate what you see.

LEAVING

If you get injured or need to leave, go to the Joseki side and bow out. If you are injured let the Sensei know.

WALKING

Do not walk behind fellow students or the Sensei. It is dangerous and rude. Walk in front of them, catch their eye and bow your head.

Late

If you are late, regardless of the reason:

  • Do not disturb class, be quiet and get suited up.
  • Sit in seiza by Joseki until the Sensei acknowledges you and waves you onto the mat. If you can’t sit in seiza sit cross-legged. Depending on the Sensei you may sit for the entire class. Do not be frustrated, watch the class and learn.
  • Follow the ‘Stepping onto the Mat’ procedures.
  • Begin doing suburi: 100 center, 50 right, 50 left. Keep count. If you finish begin again until the Sensei tells you otherwise. Depending on the Sensei you may do suburi for the entire class. Suburi is not just exercise it is training, embrace it.

Questions

The time for unsolicited questions is before or after class. If you have issues with traditional teaching methods talk to the Dojo-cho. If you have questions on protocol or even how to fold a hakama, ask a Senpai.

Visiting Another Dojo

If you are visiting another dojo for first time read the Blog entry from 31July2023 before you go.

Terminology

  • Bo-hi — groove
  • Bu — Japanese unit of measure (3.03 mm)
  • Chiburi — blood shake
  • Dan — an advanced proficiency level in a Japanese martial art 1-10
  • Dojo-cho — head instructor
  • Genkan — The foyer, where you enter the dojo and remove your shoes.
  • Habaki — blade collar
  • Hakama — traditional Japanese clothing and part of your uniform.
  • Ha-machi — edge notch
  • Hamon — temper pattern
  • Hasuji – improper cutting line with respect to the geometry of the sword.
  • Ha-saki – cutting edge of blade
  • Iaido — is the Japanese way of drawing and cutting with a sword
  • Iaido-ka – Iaido practioner
  • Ipponme – first kata
  • Joseki — right side of dojo when facing Shomen. This is where you bow in. We do not have room to bow here to we shall bow in from the Shimoza.
  • Kasane – thickness of the blade
  • Kesa-giri — downward diagonal cut
  • Kirioshi — downward vertical cut
  • Kizu – scratches or flaws in the metal of the blade
  • Kyu – a beginning proficiency level in a Japanese martial art 10-1
  • Mekugi – peg that goes through tsuka and nakago
  • Mekugi-ana — holes in the nakago
  • Mihaba – width of the blade
  • Mune-machi — back notch
  • Mune-suji – back edge of the blade
  • Nakago — tang
  • Sageo — saya cord
  • Same’ — handle covering
  • Saya – sword scabbard
  • Seiza — traditional way of sitting in Japan
  • Senpai — senior student
  • Sensei — instructor
  • Shaku – Japanese unit of measure (30.3 cm)
  • Shinogi-ji — flat of the blade
  • Shinsakuto – newly made swords
  • Shimoza — Rear of dojo
  • Shomen –Front of dojo
  • Shimoseki — left side of dojo when facing Shomen
  • Suburi — sword swing training
  • Sun – Japanese unit of measure (3.03 cm)
  • Tachikaze – (sword-wind) the swoosh or whistle as the sword cuts the air.
  • Tameshigiri – test cutting.
  • Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu – a style of Iaido
  • Tsuba — sword guard.
  • Tsuka — handle
  • Tsuka-ito — handle wrapping