About iaido

Iaido (pronounced ee-eye-doe) is the art of drawing and cutting with the Samurai long sword in one rapid movement. A variety of strikes and deflections are used depending on one’s posture and the position and number of the enemy. All of the techniques are swift but very precise and controlled. It is taught as a series of short katas, or forms, against imaginary opponents. A martial discipline with a long history in Japan, it is totally absorbing.