The study of Iaijutsu should only be undertaken once a firm understanding of Iaido has been grasped. Normally a student would have to be 1st Dan or above to be accepted to undertake such training. Iaijutsu is much more demanding both physically and mentally. Without a firm grasp of the priciples of swordsmanship gained through long training in Iaido, iaijutsu can be dangerous to the student.

Iaido forms the core of Japanese swordsmanship. The forms are meticulous and unequivocal and must be practised repeatedly to achieve a firm understanding of the physical aspects of swordsmanship. In the classical forms of Iaijutsu the mental prowess of the swordsman is trained in parallel with the physical.

With these forms speed is paramount as total commitment is required in a win/lose or live/die situation. the warriors spirit must be strong: both Mushin ( no mind ) and Zanshin ( Spiritual awareness after action ) MUST be present.

Speed, power, timing and distance can only be achieved through fluid and relaxed movement, the mind must be still like a calm lake. Any distracting thoughts can create tension and slow the movement also the speed of the forms do not allow for any time to think. You train so the form becomes as natural as walking.

IAIJUTSU SYLLABUS

The full Tenshin Ryu Iaijutsu syllabus can be downloaded HERE

Comprises of the complete understanding of

1. Dojo etiquette

2. Kamiza procedure.

3.Care of the Katana (Iaito) and the naming of all parts of the sword.

4. The terms - Speed, Power, Timing, Distance and Mushin and Zanshin

4. Four kneeling forms ( Seiza waza ).

5. Nine standing forms ( Tachi waza ).

Enso - Emptiness with Fullness. To End and To Begin---the Circle of Life

Artwork by Richard Counsell

The animation adjacent depicts the 9th Iaijutsu form as follows...

Your opponent steps into your zone and begins to draw his sword with a view to cutting nukitsuke.
Before his sword is fully drawn you draw your sword with a reverse hand grip and strike your opponent in the face with the gashira gane of your sword.
You then move your weight back placing the sword with your forearm lying along the back of the blade and thrust forward stabbing your opponents mid section.
Withdraw the sword and immediately cut kesa giri to finish the defence.
Pause for zanshin then perform Yoko chiburi and noto and after a further pause resume your original position.