Iaido

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.

Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido

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.

We practice jodo - kihon, Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seiteigata, and, for advanced students, Shinto Muso Ryu, under the guidance of Peter Boylan (4th Dan).  Jodo dates back to the mid-Edo Period, featuring the use of a 128cm wooden stick used as defense against a sword.  Jodo techniques are always done with a partner, improving timing and strength.


Jodo practice.  Photo by L. Spangler






In addition...

Ryushin Shouchi Ryu

Advanced students also practice Ryushin Shouchi Ryu, a style of iaido that features many one-handed techniques and mawari (turning) footwork.
 

Ryushin Shouchi Ryu demo in Bethlehem, PA.

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.  

Tameshigiri practice