Where does “Iaido” come from?

The term IAI comes from a Japanese phrase "Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu" roughly translated as “Existing naturally in the moment, ready to face any eventuality”

For this reason, the techniques used are interpretations of different situations, and hypothesize scenarios in which there are enemies in variable numbers and in the most disparate places such as a room in the dark, a bridge, a narrow alley etc.

It is said that the essence of iaido is "Saya no uchi" which originates from the phrase "Saya no uchi de katsu".

Both mean the victory lies in the scabbard of the sword, therefore in winning without the need to unsheath. In short, being able to surmount the opponent with his own ki before even letting the sword out of the saya, and therefore make him desist from any type of intention of attack.

Like other martial arts of Zen derivation, iaido is not a combative discipline but is designed to cultivate one's spirit and has as its real objective the development and training of one’s character.

Through practice of the sword, one refines one's spirit, and aims to become a better person, seeking peace and friendship within the dojo and within one's everyday life.

How does one practice Iaido?

Iaido is is practiced through the execution of kata — codified forms of combat, which are performed alone, or rather, against an imaginary opponent.

A kata of iaido consists of several stages. Normally it begins with an opening draw-cut followed in rapid succession by one or more decisive movements, depending on how many opponents are hypothesized. The conclusion of a kata involves the cleaning of the blade and the re-sheathing of the sword. All this without ever losing sight of the imaginary opponent.