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Kenbukan Iai-do


Study of the Samurai Sword

There are many styles of Iaido practiced today.  Rightly so, many generations of masters over four hundred years time span left their knowledge, skills, history and much more to their successors.  For each generation further studies of Iai lead to more discovery, modification and some new development.  Though Iai branched off to many different styles, we share the common root Hayashizaki Jinsuke, the founder of Iaido and "KATANA" the way of the samurai warrior.

Over the course of history, some styles and their dojo(s) preserved its reputation and still continuing strong today, however others did not.  Not all styles survived.  Even some styles with exceptional sword skills have disappeared.

 

After the WWII, few Budo organizations brought together top Iai-do masters from numerous styles and dojo(s) to promote Iaido under one governing body.  Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei-Iaido Branch, Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei and Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK) are among the top examples.  At Kenbukan Iai-Do Class, our Advanced training is focused on the Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo; but first, Omori Ryu-Shoden and both Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Seitei Iaido as well as Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei Touho are practiced.


Hanshi M. Sakimukai, Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo Menkyo Kaiden, 10 Dan

Iaido is not a simple art, infact, it is quite intricate and precise art.  However, explained in the simplest terms, there are only four fundamental body movements in Iaido: Nukitsuke,  Kiritsuke, Chiburi, and Noto, which practiced repetitiously.

 

 

  1. Nukitsuke - drawing of the blade from its scabbard
  2. Kiritsuke - cutting action or actions following the Nukitsuke
  3. Chiburi - blood removal from the blade
  4. Noto - returning of the blade to its scabbard

 

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SEIDO PHILOSOPHY 【静動】

 

The principle object of Iaido is to master the way of the sword through repetitious training of techniques.  At Kenbukan Iai-Do, we implement an essential element known as Sei-Do in our training.  Sei-Do roughly translates to "Silent Movement". Precise movement in drawing sword is taught to reduce sound, therefore reducing resistance.  Minimal resistance promotes more control and speed which are most essential elements in drawing the sword.  At Kenbukan Iai-Do, Sei-Do is emphasized with utmost importance.

Shin Gi Tai (心　技　体） Training Emphasis

 

The practical and philosophical goal of the Budo is to bring spirit, mind, emotion and the body together into one essence, known as Shin- Gi- Tai. Mastery of Budo, and the creation of this ONE ESSENCE, does not come easily overnight, or in a year, or even in several years.

Repetitive training, year after year, fosters consistency, thereby forming harmony as one.  Furthermore, the body cannot be concentrated without also equally concentrating the mind.  Harmony cannot be achieved if there is an uneven balance between training of the mind, spirit and of the body.

Conditioning the body to the precision execution of the intricate martial art movement requires great physical effort and concentration of will.

The Budo training emphasize defeating one's own weakness and discouragement, disciplining our minds and emotions in the face of fear or uncertainty, and analyzing what it represents to commit to a path until success is secured.

Ultimately, with successful training and sufficient effort, the art of higher living, as we calls it the Shin-Gi-Tai harmony will be attained.

 



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