Seikukan Ken Dojo

Iaido

The art of Iaido is concerned with the drawing of the sword against an imaginary opponent using a series of set moves called kata. Originally there were many sword schools, each with its own set of kata that had been developed by the sword school masters to anticipate certain situations, for example countering and attacking opponents whilst going down stairs.

In the 1960s and 70s the All Japan Kendo Federation developed a set of 10 kata derived from the most popular of old styles (koryu) to become the international standard for teaching , grading and competition. The number of set kata has since increased to 12 and they provide the beginner with the basic foundation of moves for koryu practice which is undertaken at a later stage.

Students of Iaido normally wear a hakama (baggy pleated trousers) and a keiko gi (training jacket). An iai obi (sword belt) is worn under the hakima to hold the sword in place. Beginners usually start by practising with a wooden sword called a bokuto with a saya (scabbard). Once proficient in the basic kata, students then move on to using a blunt sword called an iaito. The final step is to use a shinken which is a fully sharpened sword.

At Seikukan students have the opportunity to attend various seminars throughout the year and are encouraged to take gradings when of a sufficiently high standard. We welcome beginners and hope to see you soon.

More information about Iaido can be found at:

• The British Kendo Association
• Wikipedia