Iaido (pronounced “Eee-aye-do”) is one of the classical martial sword arts of Japan, with an unbroken history of over 450 years. While it has roots in a practical, combative art of self-defense, today it is an art aimed at improving the mind and body through practice with the Japanese sword.
There is no free sparring in Iaido. One practices alone, aiming draws, cuts, and thrusts at imaginary opponents according to various scenarios that aim to inculcate muscle memory for potential combative applications. Technical emphasis is placed on the draw, a following series of cuts or thrusts, and returning the sword safely to the scabbard, all in a continuous series of fluid motions.
This process aims to promote a highly concentrated, yet calm, state of mind. The enemy faced is ultimately within oneself, as one strives constantly to perfect one’s techniques on one’s own.
Iaido is a meditative mental exercise, an insightful experience of self-improvement, and an effective, non-impact, total-body toning physical exercise workout. The closest analogues would be Taiqi, Wushu, and Yoga.
