Iaido: The Way of Drawing the Sword

What is Iaido?
Iaido is the practice of sword techniques which embody a series of cutting and thrusting movements in the drawing and resheathing of the blade. These movements are performed against an imaginary opponent, and requires great concentration.
It is believed to have been founded in the 1500's and there are 200 different styles or RYU.

The samurai warrior trained himself to attack or parry a blow and riposte against a single oppponent or several opponents while seated, standing, or walking.

It is believed that swordmanship could be made a vehicle for the spiritual cultivation of the individual swordsman.

"The essence of swordsmanship" lies in its perfection.

It does not mean to cut the enemy, but rather to cut the enemy within oneself.

Iaido and Kendo are sister arts. They are practices in the same spirit and, like the two wheels of a cart, they form together the art of Japanese swordsmanship. As our special guest, Javier Lopez, one of our Japanese School students, will demonstrate the ancient Japanese art of Iaido. Mr. Lopez has been practicing Iaido and Kendo (fencing) for about six years at Ken Zen Institute in Downtown New York City. He holds a nidan or second degree blackbelt in Iaido.

Javier demonstrates a selection of katas, or styles from his school style, Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu.