Iaido
the art of drawing the Japanese sword
Iaido is known as "the way of sword drawing." In practice, it is the way of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword. In Japanese martial arts the term way refers to a path of self-development or cultivation. The way of learning to draw the Japanese sword becomes a practice in refining the self.
Practicing Iaido engages the mind and body fully. Iaido requires mental discipline, sustained focus, attention to detail and awareness of how we recruit the self to perform action. Through practice we learn to formulate clear intention, gather oneself, organize our many parts to work together toward unified action, and then move fluidly, powerfully, definitively.
Initially, you do not have to own a Japanese sword to participate. You may borrow a wooden bokken from the dojo for use in the class. Footwork patterns in Iaido practice include pivoting, sliding, and stepping forward and backward. We do some brief kneeling (e.g. sitting in seiza for bowing in and out at the start and end of class). No falling is required in the martial art of Iaido.
BENEFITS OF REGULAR IAIDO PRACTICE
Resilience, self-awareness, fortitude, perseverance
Calm, easier breathing, reduced stress, improved focus
Better balance, proprioception
Self-compassion, patience, self-efficacy
Learn more about the Iaido experience from students Rob F. and Kasmir Z.
Adam Westphal Sensei recommends this poem for those thinking of pursuing Budo (Japanese martial arts): Whosoever desires to explore The Way --Let them set out -- for what more is there to say?
“I realize now just how much I have missed the dojo experience, and the sense of having a solid base, or center in life that I used to feel when I was practicing on a regular basis. I feel welcome here, and have been re-inspired to focus on this path. ”
Background and history
"Iai Battoh-Ho,” meaning "sword-drawing method," is based on Iaido, "the Way of sword drawing," and other traditional forms of Japanese sword work. Originally Chiba Sensei practiced Musô Shinden-ryû under Mitzuzuka Sensei. With his permission, Chiba Sensei established Iai Battoh-Ho as a new ryu, in order to pursue more explicitly the connection between Iaido and Chiba Sensei's Aikido, and in order to distinguish our way from the modern, competitive approach. Iai Battoh-Ho retains the names and basic outline of all the Musô Shinden-ryû forms, while modifying the emphasis and various technical details. Musô Shinden-ryû is itself a derivative of some older ryu; its founder contributed to the contemporary All-Japan curriculum. Iai Battoh-Ho is practiced primarily via solo forms (or kata) using a live or practice Japanese sword. We also practice partner forms (kumi-dachi) with bokken. These partner forms illuminate the martial scenario at play, target points, and the sense of timing and rhythm necessary to bring the forms to life.
Click here to read an article about Iai Battoh-Ho from Birankai North America.
Interested in practicing Iaido?
We have space for a limited number of students in our program. Because of this, we have an application process. We limit class size to ensure proper distance and safety for everyone.
Our Iaido program is led by Suzane Van Amburgh Sensei and assisted by Adam Westphal Sensei. We have three Iaido class sections. Students typically sign up for one day per week (same practice day each week), however additional training opportunities may be available depending upon space. Our weekly class sections are held:
Mondays 7:30pm - 8:30pm, taught by Suzane Van Amburgh
Tuesdays 8:10pm - 9:10pm, taught by Adam Westphal
Fridays 6:30pm - 7:30pm, taught by Suzane Van Amburgh
Some dojo members practice only Iaido, once per week. Others practice both Aikido and Iaido. Any student who plans to practice two or more classes per week should join as a Regular Member. The rate for students practicing “only Iaido,” one class per week, is $78/ month. In addition to scheduled classes, “Iaido only” members have access to our video library of lessons in Dojo Online.