Iaido

The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship

By Paul 'Batman' O'Brien
B.A., N.C.E.H.S., Dip. Acu., Adv. Dip. OBB, Cert Clin. Med. Pn1, PN-SSR, PN-NCA, M.AFPA, M.ETCMA, M.C.Th.A.

Iaido is the art of Japanese Swordsmanship. The word itself has a number of meanings and interpretations. Each is dependant of a subjective translation as the word itself, like many Japanese martial concepts does not translate into English at all easily. The word is comprised of 3 Japanese characters: i-ai-do.

Roughly, “I” comes from Iru, to be; Ai (as in Aikido) means coming together, harmony, or love; and Dō means road, or Way (in the Buddhist sense). Loosely translated then, Iaido means being in harmony with one’s surroundings, always being prepared for any eventuality.

Iaido then, is a term used to describe a wide variety of traditional styles of swordsmanship which trace their origins back as far as the fifteenth century.  During the sixteenth century, when Japan was gripped by conflict and political upheaval, many hundreds of such styles – known as ‘ryū’ – were practised. Today, many of these ryu have been lost and died out, though some precious few remain.

I am fortunate enough to train in a Koryū (古流) tradition (Koryū means "old martial ways" - the original martial arts of feudal Japan that predate modern arts like Kendo and Karate) of Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū (無双直伝英信流). You can read more about that style and my first days in the dojo here)

In this section of the site, I'll share with you a series of links below that will help you navigate the important aspects of Iai, the Japanese martial arts, the equipment and clothing, frequently asked questions, where and how to train, my recommended resource, philosophy and more. 

Iaido Articles

Iaido 

1. What is Iaidō? - An Introduction to the Japanese Art of Drawing the Sword
2. The Rich History of Iaidō: From Battlefield to Dojo*
3. Getting Started with Iaidō: What You Need to Know*
4. The Basic Techniques of Iaidō: A Beginner's Guide*
5. Understanding Iaidō Equipment: From Wooden Swords to Shinken*
6. The Major Schools of Iaidō: Traditions and Differences*
7. The Language of Iaidō: Essential Japanese Terms for Beginners*
8. The Art of Etiquette in Iaidō: Understanding Reishiki*
9. The Aesthetics of Iaidō: Beauty in Martial Movement*
10. Solo Practice in Iaidō: Making the Most of Individual Training*
11. Sparring Practice in Iaidō: The Power of Partner Practice*
12. The Philosophy Behind Iaidō: More Than Just Sword Drawing*
13. Iaidō and Physical Wellness: Benefits Beyond the Sword*
14. The Mental Dimension of Iaidō: Cultivating Focus and Presence*
15. Continuing Your Iaidō Journey: Beyond the Basics*
16. Iaidō and Modern Life: Applying Ancient Wisdom Today*
17. The Spiritual Journey of Iaidō: Beyond Technique*
18. Women in Iaidō: A Tradition of Inclusion*
19. Iaidō for Older Beginners: It's Never Too Late to Start*
20. The Relationship Between Iaidō and Other Japanese Sword Arts*
21. The Omori-ryu: First Steps in Traditional Iaidō*
22. Eishin Ryu Iaidō: A Specific Examination of the Eishin (Chudan) Forms of my style*
23. Battojutsu: A distinct form of swordsmanship, understanding the differences*
24. Japanese Fencing: Kendo, Ona-ha Itto Ryū, Yagyu Shinkage Ryū, Katori Shinto Ryū and Iai with its numerous schools, and an overview of their key differences and commonalities. *
25. Iai sword - My top tips on buying an Iaito - and where to go.*
26. Japanese Sword Arts - An overview of the various styles*
27. The Iaido dojo - My First Experience of Iai
28. A Brief History of Iai in Ireland* 
29. Embu: Experience Japan Day 2010*
30. An Irish Man’s Musha Shugyo: Training with the Masters at the University of Derby, Buxton*
    
31. The Highest Degree of Swordsmanship: The UCD Japanese Sword Open Seminar*
    
32. Irish Iaidōka at The First Open: Traditional Japanese Budo and Cultural Workshop in Ardingly College*
    
33. Making the Cut: The Kenseikai Dublin Dojo Journey*
    
34. Learning Lethality: The 3rd All-Ireland Japanese Sword Seminar*
35. New Shodan in Samurai Swordsmanship for Ireland*
    
36. Iaidō Taikai: Ireland Recognised for its Fighting Spirit at the Masaume Taikai
    
37. Who Needs Sleep When You Have Budo*
38. The BKA and the Phantom Terror*
39. O'Brien is Winner at This Year's Masamune Taikai
40. Samurai Swordsmanship Makes Irish History: Ireland at the 2016 EIC*
    
41. Art of the Japanese Sword: The Sparring of Iai*
42. The Lifesaving Step: A Review of the Myoken Dojo Iaido Handbook*
43. Soul of the Samurai: Living the Warrior Way*
44. 8 Swords for Dublin*
45. The Swallow’s Flight*
46. Grading Galore For Ireland*
47. The Irish Onna-bugeisha*
    
48. Iai Strategy - a discussion of the key concepts of combat*
49. Iai obi, Hakama and keikogi - The clothing of Samurai Swordsmanship - and Instructional Video Guide*
50. The Iai FAQ - all your swordsmanship questions answered
51. Iai kata - An introduction to the core of swordsmanship*
52. Free Iai e-book - an exclusive free guide to Samurai Swordsmanship*
53. The Dublin Iaido Seminar: Peter West Sensei makes Irish Iaido History
54. The Finnish Iaido Seminar 2025 Review
55. What is Iaido? - The Art of Japanese Swordsmanship
56. An Introduction to Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryū (originally published in Irish Fighter Magazine)
57. The Iaido FAQ- A Q & A for the Beginner 

*= coming soon

Training in the Way of the Samurai

Training in Iai involves a number of distinct yet interrelated disciplines: 

Tanren - This is physical conditioning as taught in feudal Japan. It is comprised of a series of body-weight and equipment drills. These drills increase physical conditioning, fitness, strength, and improve body movement and coordination. They also importantly contribute to the spirit of the practitioner, training them to develop endurance, perseverance, humility, dedication and more.

Waza - The techniques, forms and kata of the Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū school of Iai. These are the core teachings of the school and the foundation of Iaido. In virtually all schools of Iai, the kata/waza are composed of four essential elements. These are:

• Nukitsuke – The initial draw and simultaneous cut.
• Kiritsuke – The decisive finishing cut.
• Chibur(u)i – A symbolic shaking of blood from the blade.
• Noto – Resheathing the sword.

Practically all kata have these fundamental parts in some combination or other, but may also include blocks, deflections, thrusts, and multiple cuts, depending on the scenario. Iai kata are performed solitary against imaginary opponents, called kassoteki, or teki. (There are also partner kata, which I’ll mention in a moment.)

The fact that there is no real adversary means the practitioner needs to be aware of where teki is at all times, and to focus his techniques accordingly. This demands intense concentration from the Iaidoka. Each kata, though outwardly simple, has myriad technical details that can make it fiendishly difficult to master. Indeed, a single kata could easily take a lifetime’s study, and still not be perfected. However, it is this quest for almost unattainable perfection that makes Iai what it is – a Way of strengthening the body, developing the character, and forging the Spirit.

Tachi Uchi no Kurai (太刀打之位) - These are the paired combat forms of Iai. These teach the student distance, timing, and to confront a physical opponent.

Muto-Dori - Unarmed defences against the sword. These techniques are not commonly known outside of Japan, and it is a great privilege and honour to include these techniques in our curriculum.

Although the techniques practised by students of Iai are based on the combat methods of feudal Japan, the purpose of Iaido training is the development of the self, not only in physical but also in moral and spiritual terms. Even during the early stages in the history of the various ryu, it was recognised that these moral and spiritual effects of training in swordsmanship were beneficial not merely to the individual swordsman, but to society as a whole. As military and political conditions in Japan changed, particularly in the mid–20th century, the philosophical and moral aspects of training gained more emphasis.

In the modern era, Iai is still practised in the traditional manner, and the curriculum taught at my dojo is comprised entirely of traditional techniques and methods of swordsmanship. The style of Iai studied at my dojo is Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū, founded by Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu (林崎甚助源の重信), born in 1546. Thus, to train in Iai is to forge a direct link with the classical martial traditions of Japan.

You've been reading about Iaido. Check out my first experience in the Dojo here.

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