Iaido ( 居合道) – it is style of martial arts that is related to kendo. It appeared in Japan in XV-XVI centuries as a way of defending from unexpected attacks and attacks for hiding places (iaijutsu). The first character lays in the basis of verb 居る that means ‘live’. The other one – in the basis of 合うthat means to ‘be correct’.Iaido is art of instant attack (counter-attack) with use of Japanese sword, quick attack by sword from saya scabbard, rapid opponent neutralization, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard.Losing its practical meaning, iaido is effective method of active meditation and way of self-respect education through respect to sword and kendo traditions.Nowadays, iaido is first of all way of self development through studying your body and mind where the sword is reliable assistant and teacher on this way.Iaido is practiced with no partner.Firstly with bokuto then with metal unsharpened sword – iaito. The main method of training is practice of various kata complexes that are based on situations from everyday life of medieval samurai warriors. Thus, in All Japan Kendo Federation there is a system of Seitei Iaido kata.
Technical committee of iaido and jodo of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo Federation is headed by Takashi KUROKI sensei (5 dan of Nishio ryu iaido).
