Iaido, the Japanese art of drawing the sword, is considered an art of the aristocracy because, in feudal Japan, swords could only be carried by the upper class.  The art was created in response to specific conditions:  when samurai were attacked while their swords were still sheathed.  The key concept in Iaido is that the draw and first cut must occur simultaneously and quickly.  Many unique cutting motions were created to make this possible.  Practice is very precise and demands great concentration.

   Iaido is a highly traditional art.  Its forms are hundreds of years old, having been passed down from instructor to student since their creation.  It is also traditional in the sense that it has no modern applications.  Since there is no practical purpose for sword fighting methods in modern times, there is no reason to "update" the forms, or to make the art more effective for self-defense.

    The physical practice of Iaido includes drawing, parrying and cutting motions, as well as various methods for returning the swords to the scabbard.  The majority of practice time is spent studying pre-arranged forms, called kata.  The motions are designed as defenses against specific attacks by an opponent, and each form teaches several principles of correct sword handling.

   In addition to being a historical art, Iaido is, like other martial arts, a method of spiritual development.  It is one of the best arts for conveying the concepts taught in zen.  Many practice Iaido as a second martial art, to compliment the more physical practice styles of karate, judo or jujutsu.  At ITAMA, members study Eishin-Ryu Iaido, the second oldest extant martial arts style in Japan.  Iaido ranks granted by ITAMA can be certified by Kokusai Budoin, IMAF.

Mudansha	Rokukyu	Gokyu	Yonkyu	Sankyu
Nikkyu	Ikkyu	Shodan	Nidan

   For more information, you may send an email to Dan Holland Sensei at dholland@itama.org .