Iaido

Iaido: the art of using the Japanese sword

Iaido (ee-eye-doe) is a Japanese martial art that studies the drawing, cutting, and sheathing of the katana (live blade). Iaido is a formal and non-fighting art that was created to preserve the sword skills of the samurai warriors. Today, along with its original goals, Iaido is practiced as an art of self-refinement. In Iaido, defense and attack become one movement. For both practical and spiritual reasons, Iaido is primarily solo training, although non-competitive two-person drills may be done with wooden weapons. Once the basic forms and etiquette are learned, Iaido's ultimate goal, like aikido and Zen meditation, is to assimilate a centered body and a focused mind into daily life.

Iaido practice at Chushinkan Dojo is a useful supplement to your Aikido training. It offers a deeper understanding of the Japanese budo (martial ways). There are many different styles of Iaido. At Chushinkan Dojo, our primarily training is learning the forms from the Aikido Toho. Additional training is in Keishicho Ryu, Shintoho, and Omori Ryu. To join our practice, please sign up for Iaido through the City of Buena Park. Initially, we will provide a bokken (wooden practice sword) to practice with. Eventually, an iaito (Japanese practice sword) and hakama (traditional pleated pants) should be purchased to fully participate in the art of Iaido. Good quality iaito may be purchased for about $350 and up. While it is possible to find swords for less, there are many swords on the market that are not recommended, so we do advise prospective students to ask for advice before purchasing one. Hakama can be purchased for as low as $50.
	Iaido is a very precise art which benefits the students through its emphasis on breathing, calmness and posture. There are many details for a new student to learn about the sword, forms, and etiquette. Iaido is offered as a separate class through the City of Buena Park.
	Vidin, Bulgaria Nakayama Sensei instructs Bulgarian students about the Japanese sword.
Examinations Iaido testing at Chushinkan Dojo is based upon the requirements set forth by Shoji Nishio Shihan. Koji Yoshida Shihan, appointed representative by Nishio Shihan, now heads the iaido organization. Students who test are recommended for testing by Nakayama Sensei. Iaido kyu exams are held at Chushinkan Dojo every 14 weeks. Iaido dan exams are held once a year at seminars conducted by Yoshida Sensei	For kyu test requirements, click here. For dan test requirements, click here.