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What is Iaido (ee-eye-dough) Iaido is maybe best translated into "Japanese Swordsmen ship". Iaido is the practice of handling the Japanese katana. Iaido is a very traditional Budo art and was developed from samurai practicing for combat. They do not only practiced techniques for using the sword but also how to judge situations and opponents under all possible circumstances. To accomplish this in a swift and correct way was important for a skilled warrior to stay alive. Practicing in this fashion meant that the samurai could intuitively counter an attack. During the 15th century a man called Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu collected techniques from different warrior schools into a form called Iaijutsu or Iaido. He did this after a dream he had. The difference was that the new forms were all defensive. You respond to an (surprise) attack by drawing your sword and cutting down your enemies. The term Iaijutsu/do does not, as stated in many books, translate to "The art of drawing the sword", but rather "Instant awareness". You should be able to respond to any threat instantaneous and in such a way be able to (ultimately) avoid being attacked. The circumstance that you have your sword in your scabbard is just due to it's an defensive art.
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| Why study Iaido? | |||
| Iaido is in spite of it's background, not to teach killing. Iaido has through the ages been converted into a more "spiritual" or "philosophical" art, like all "do" , as Aikido, Kendo, and Kyudo, i.e. you now practice Iaido to develop yourself into a more harmonious person. This is accomplished through long and serious practice and by developing your self discipline and concentration. You also improve your coordination, strength and carriage. You practice Iaido in a traditional way, by doing "kata" (predetermined movements in defense against one or more enemies). The first several years you practice against "imaginary" opponents but after your skill develops you can start practicing kata against live opponents, but still all movement is predetermined. Iaido is very individual and all practitioners are building on their own conditions. |
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| Aikido
Seishinkan Dojo Iaido Program Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido |
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Mu
= A vision, a dream So = A thaught, an idea Shin = A God Den = A root, an origin Ryu = To flow, a school I = To exist, to be present Ai = To pull together Do = A way |
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| Muso Shinden Ryu means an Iai school developed according to a divine vision given in a dream. | |||
| Created by Jinsuke Shigenbou in the 16th century Japan, this unique tradition of defensive swordsmenship (iai) was preserved in an unbroken line of headmasters through the centuries; codified by Master Nakayama Hakudo (1869-1958) and taught worldwide by Takeshi Mitsuzuka Sensei (shown in photo above). The style of Iaido taught at Aikido Seishinkan Dojo is Muso Shinden Ryu. Aikido Seishikan Dojo is a member of the North American San Shin Kai. The San Shin Kai is the federation organized in North America by Mitsuzuka Takeshi Sensei, and is presently headed by Roger Wehrhahn Shihan. | |||
| About the Instructor Of Iaido at the Aikido Seishinkan Dojo | |||
| Sensei David Goldberg is the chief instructor of Aikido Seishikan Dojo. Sensei Goldberg has been studying Iaido for 15 years and holds the rank of 4th Dan (Yondan) in Muso Shinden Ryu and studies with the North American San Shin Kia under Shihan Roger Wehrhahn. Sensei Goldberg also has over 22 years experience in the art of Aikido and holds the rank of 4th Dan (Yondan). He is also a full time professional Japanese sword smith. | |||
Iaido Levels of Practice within the San Shin Kai