IAIDO
IAIDO 居 合 道
Face moments of danger with a quiet and alert mind.
The sword fighting techniques are characterised by drawing the sword and cutting at lightning speed and a superior strategy.
IAIDO is a part of Takeda-ryu Nakamura Ha swordsmanship. In the old days it was called "BATTOJUTSU" ("Art of drawing a sword"), later "IAIJUTSU" and today "IAIDO". Quick drawing of the sword and precise cutting are taught here. One of the exercises, the competition "BATTO SHIAI", is in today’s BUDO a very special and spectacular feature of Takeda-ryu Nakamura Ha. In that special exercise the opponents are facing each other at a larger distance, so their blades do not have contact. Referees are deciding whose cut was faster and more precise. So it is just a few steps distance which in competition decides over victory or defeat by points, like once it did decide over life and death.
Short KATA, both kneeling and standing, as well as KORYU-WAZA are taught to senior instructors.
In Takeda-ryu Nakamura Ha the exercises in cutting with a real sword are called BATTO GIRI. Straw mats, rolled up and then soaked in water to give them consistence similar to a human neck, arm or leg are cut. The experience of real cutting is of vital importance.
TAKEDA-RYU NAKAMURA HA - 武 田 流 中 村 派
THE ART OF THE SAMURAI
AIKIDO - 合 気 道
IAIDO - 居 合 道
JODO - 杖 道
JUKEMPO - 柔 拳 法
KENDO - 剣 道
