Photo by S. Langenwalter

All iai and related curriculum consists of kata (form). Iai kata may be performed by a solo practitioner or in pairs with a partner.  There is no “free sparing”, and, though kata competition has become common, iai is not considered a competitive sport.  For solo forms, iai practitioners may use a practice sword (iaito), made of either aluminum alloy or steel, that replicates the weight and balance of a real katana.  Generally, iaito are not sharpened and are safe for beginners’ use.  Real katana are also used, though they are much more expensive and more difficult to obtain.  Sharpened Chinese-made blades are plentiful and inexpensive in the US, though their fitness for practice varies widely.  It is always wise to consult with the instructor before choosing a practice sword.

Partner kata are performed with wooden swords (bokuto).  White oak from Japan, and more recently, China, are used for the best bokuto.  Even so, wooden weapons are considered dispensable, as they will wear out over time.

Mondays

Ryushin Jigen Ryu

The core the Monday practice is Ryushin Jigen Ryu iaido, under the supervision of Yahagi Kunikazu, Soke of Ryushin Jigen Ryu.  RJR techniques are unique in that they involve a short, lightweight practice sword or katana, and involve many one-handed cuts.  The style also includes the distinctive element of mawari (turns), used defensively to increase the distance between the practitioner and her opponent at certain points in the kata.  There are both solo and partner kata in RJR, organized according to the practitioner's level of skill. 

Kendo Kihon

We also practice some basic kendo kihon (technique) under Yahagi Sensei’s supervision (by popular demand).  Kendo is a sport form derived from sword-fighting techniques that is occasionally compared to Western fencing.  Both disciplines are sports, but that is where the similarity ends.  Though there are rules and competitions, kendo techniques are faster and less linear than Western fencing.  Kendo kihon is the ultimate aerobic workout that builds speed, stamina and strength.  Kendo kihon is offered  in a workshop format only.

Wednesdays

Yoshiteru Otani’s Techniques

We are proud to include in our curriculum some of the teachings of Yoshiteru Otani.  Otani Sensei devised some basic exercises for moving and cutting, referred to generically as happo-giri (to cut in eight directions). He also designed 20 partner kata that are practiced with wooden swords.

Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido

Wednesday also includes Muso Shinden Ryu iaido, as taught by Otani Sensei.  Curriculum includes all three levels of kata (Omori ryu, Hasegawa Eishin Ryu and Okuiai) as well as the Tachi Uchi no Kurai (partner forms).   Photo by L. Spangler.

As Time Allows...

Photo by L. Spangler.

Jodo

We also practice Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo techniques, under the supervision of Peter Boylan.  

Tameshigiri (target-cutting)

Some styles of iai emphasize tameshigiri, cutting targets.  While tameshigiri is not a core part of our practice, it is important, from time to time, to test our techniques.