IAIーDOH

Kendo, with its ancient history, originated as a martial art and developed as one of the disciplines of budo. It has exerted profound influence not only as a technique but also as a “way,” shaping the spiritual aspects of the Japanese people. For the Japanese nation, kendo has played an inseparable and significant role throughout its history. Within kendo lies iaido, which includes paired sword techniques, kata, and comprehensive training. This is evident in old manuscripts and license catalogs, which clearly show that iaido was an essential subject for samurai. Through its rigorous practice, samurai cultivated qualities such as fortitude, humility, courtesy, self-control, and a sense of honor—forming the foundation of Japanese morality.
Thus, iaido has developed alongside kendo, leading to numerous schools that have been preserved to this day. Historically, masters of iaido were also masters of kendo, and vice versa; both disciplines were deeply intertwined. However, following the Meiji period’s implementation of the Haitorei (Edict for Abolishing Sword-Wearing), swords were no longer carried daily. Consequently, swords became distant from people’s lives, and iaido gradually separated from kendo practitioners. This divergence is regrettable, and it is hoped that the true integration of “Ken-Ichi-Isso” (the unity of kendo and iaido) will be achieved in the near future.

Iaido, in contrast to “tachiai” (standing confrontation), has been referred to by various names such as “iai,” “iasou,” “bakken,” “battojutsu,” and “saya no naka” (within the scabbard). It was originally founded as a martial art to counter an enemy’s sudden attack by drawing the sword instantly and deciding the outcome in the moment of unsheathing. Once the sword is drawn, it becomes kendo.
The practice of iaido, which places life and death on the moment of drawing the sword, has evolved into a profound state of mind where life and death are unified, and movement and stillness are consistent. This has turned iaido into a path for mental and physical discipline. The “i” in iaido refers to one’s physical presence—whether standing, walking, or running—and also encompasses one’s mental state, including freedom from thought, fear, or emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure. In essence, “i” signifies the reality of both body and mind at any given time and place. The “ai” in iaido refers to adaptability and responsiveness—being able to act appropriately and swiftly in any situation. Iaido, therefore, means being fully present and prepared in body and mind at all times. The essence of iaido lies in training one’s spirit to achieve this readiness in every action and moment.
If one asserts oneself against others, conflict arises, disrupting the harmony of iaido. Drawing the sword impulsively leads to chaos. Instead, one should prioritize humility and gentleness over self-assertion. By adhering to the true spirit of iaido—practicing proper etiquette, maintaining humility, correcting oneself before others—it aligns with natural principles (“tenri”) and fosters universal harmony. This virtue naturally emerges from such practice. Practitioners are encouraged to remain vigilant at all times, even during leisure or relaxation, maintaining a calm mind and being cautious in their actions. Day and night, one must avoid creating enemies within their heart by eliminating carelessness, overcoming personal weaknesses, correcting mistakes, and striving for self-improvement. As one iaido song states: “Iaido is about conquering your own heart; do not find fault with others or oppose them.”
The demands of iaido are exceptionally rigorous. From seated movements and etiquette to mental attitude and breathing techniques, it encompasses strict disciplines that include traditional Japanese manners often lacking in modern society. For these reasons, iaido is highly commendable as a practice worth pursuing.
(Excerpt from a brochure created by the All Japan Kendo Federation)