In a vertical draw, the sword is drawn just as it is, with its cutting edge facing upward. Generally, the sword is drawn from the left side of the body, but it may be executed in various ways. Drawing ( Nuki Tsuke)ĭrawing the sword is intended to bring it quickly into play and injure the enemy. Also, a form is composed of various stances, footwork patterns, and evasive actions, which widely vary depending on the situation. The individual form in iaido generally consists of four parts: drawing the sword from the scabbard, cutting, removing the blood from the blade, and sheathing the sword. The swordsman learns various patterns of movements while visualizing imaginary opponents and may attack alone or in groups from different angles. Basic Form and Techniques in Iaidoĭemonstration of the sword practice, iaido – Credits: The Japan TimesĪ form, called kata in Japanese, is a sequence of specific movements to develop the proper technique.

It is also practiced as a sport, with competitors performing a set of techniques and judges declaring a winner. However, iaido uses sword practice as a means of personal development rather than for combat. Both iaido and iaijutsu involve perfecting the control of the sword. The sword-drawing art was developed likely to save crucial seconds in a surprise attack, so a trained swordsman could respond instantly. Both involve drawing the blade from the scabbard, cutting, cleaning the blood from the blade, and returning it to the scabbard-all in one motion. Iaido evolved from iaijutsu-a sword-drawing art focusing on practical combat applications to incapacitate or kill an enemy. What Is Iaido? Practicing iaido – Credits: Binh Tran Photography Let’s explore the sword-drawing art of iaido, its basic concepts and techniques, the types of swords used in practice, and the history of the sword art. However, it is more than just about defeating an opponent and showing off one’s skill. Today, the sword art is widely practiced as a martial art and a sport. It teaches the skills of attacking from the scabbard and striking down an opponent. Iaido is the art of drawing and cutting with a sword in the same motion.

Iaido swords stances