When searching you may try dropping the final "u". I used the form that takes the long "o" and writes it as "ou". NOTE: There is more than one way to write traditional Japanese words using English letters (known as romaji). Kendoka (kendo students) also use a type of armor for further protection.īoth iaido and kendo are more traditional arts dating back to samurai times. Iaido is associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard (or saya), striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade. While they hurt when you are struck, you typically won't suffer from broken bones or cuts. Iaid (), abbreviated with iai (), is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware of quickly drawing the sword and responding to a sudden attack.
Shinai are the bamboo "blades" that have some give to them. This prevents a student from accidentally cutting their hand during notto (sheathing), but it is still dangerous as a blunt weapon. It is forged with a metal that is too soft to take an edge. The iaitou looks and feels much like a proper katana, but the blade has no edge. With both iaido and battou do, beginners may be instructed to practice with an iaitou.
#Iaido uniforms full
Full mats are less forgiving, and can bend swords if the student is not careful. When you are proficient with the half mats, you can graduate to the full mats. If the technique is off, you won't be able to cut it. Beginners are told to practice on "half mats" which have a lot of give to them. Typically, you practice on rolled up used tatami mats that have been soaked in water over night. There are 8 of each, which corresponds to the 8 strokes used in traditional calligraphy.īoth iaido and battou do practice with edged katanas and engage in a practice known as tameshigiri.
In Nakamura Ryu Battou-Do, the inspiration for the cuts, sheathing, and stances was taken from calligraphy. This was formed in 1925, after much of Japan had forgotten the older arts, and soldiers weren't able to deliver the same kind of cuts that the katana is ledendary for. In modern kendo, there is an emphasis on sparring during taikai.
In some ways you could liken it to preparedness at all times, not just in battle. All katas begin and end with the sword sheathed. They differ on their focus or in their origination. Truthfully there are three: iaido, kendo, and battou-do.