Iaijutsu : Combat Stories – 06
-by Ishita Mondal
–Reading Time – 4 min Approx
” The sensei quickly drew his sword and attacked his opponent. Thus, the game began.”
Such lines are common when you read a novel on martial art or some old scriptures on ancient defense techniques. Drawing a sword and using it swiftly are some of the most crucial tricks practiced by martial art specialists. It not only adds grace to the game but also brings more professionalism to it. More or less every weapon-based martial form includes sword-drawing techniques. However, do you know that there is a specific martial art game dedicated to the quick drawing of a sword? It is iaijutsu or battōjutsu. Here, we are to shed light on it.
What is Iaijutsu:
It is a combative art of drawing swords. Especially, the Japanese sword called “katana” is used here. Although it is majorly a counterattack-based fighting technique, it can be used aggressively against any surprise attack. In ancient days, it had been used more like a defense technique in a warrior’s daily life than a fighting skill on a crucial battlefield. Battōjutsu is the old term for this art form called Iaijutsu. The major factors in this form are distancing, timing, and targeting.
Iaijustu- from Where it Began:
The origin of the martial art form is yet not very clear. As per the record, the Japanese sword came into use since the Nara period which covers the time from 710 A.D. to 794 A.D. So, we can assume that the martial art form of iaijutsu started along with the emergence of the sword.
According to historical records, the use of Japanese swordsmanship was popular in many forms. One of them is battōjutsu. Although it is not so different from the other forms, it includes swifter moves and less aggressive techniques than others. Some documents cite that kenjutsu, another weapon-based martial art form that is performed with uncovered swords, precedes the current form of battōjutsu. However, iaijutsu is not in use prominently. But, iaido, which can be called the modern version of iaijutsu, is practiced today. Yes, relax! We will also discuss it later on.
The Postures used in Iaijutsu:
Being the combative technique, the iaijutsu practitioners usually follow two starting positions. While one is in a crouching position downwards, another one is the standing position. The first one is iai-goshi and the second one is tachi-ai. In many other sword games, the seating techniques and the dead posture (kneeling and sitting together) are used. But, as iaijutsu asks for flexible movement, these postures create disadvantages for the practitioners. So, they avoid doing these postures.
The Modern Descendants- Iaido:
As we mentioned, iaido is a game coming from the old forms of iaijutsu still practiced in modern days. Many martial art schools include this interesting quick sword-drawing game in their class schedule. When it is used in fighting, majorly it comprises four components-
- Smoothly drawing the sword
- Attacking the opponent
- Wiping out the blood from the sword
- Putting it back in the scabbard
In the beginning, the practitioners use the wooden sword or the blunt sword to avoid the risk of any physical harm. When they gain some experience, sharp-edged swords are used.
It includes a wide range of swordsmanship styles which are non-combative majorly. According to the practitioners, it is a game to inculcate spiritual harmony within an individual. It develops a high sense of intellect, willpower, and sensitivity.
The Origin, History, and Present-day Use:
As per the historians, iaido began in the middle of the 16th century. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu is the one who started the game. However, as the days passed by, the different schools teaching the sport got mixed up. And therefore, to maintain a fair grade system to evaluate the warrior’s skill, a few common sets of weapons are introduced. While ZNKR or All Japan Kendo Federation launched their own set of weapons, ZNIR or All Japan Iaido Federation introduced their own. International iaido competition is practiced under the regulation of the All Japan Kendo Federation. At this international level, the game is standardized and new etiquettes are introduced making the game more visually attractive and interesting. Also, the European Kendo federation has organized the popular iaido championship. Each year many people participate in this game. Along with it, some other organizations like DNBK or Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, IMAF, or International Martial Arts Federation promote the martial art form. Murayama City is considered the birthplace of iaido.
With all of its unique qualities, it prominently bears the legacy of its ascent, iaijutsu.
A Quick Look to the Interesting Facts about Iaijutsu:
The game amuses its spectators with unique visual appeals with the swords. Nonetheless, many facts about it are still not known to many. We have accumulated some interesting facts. Have a look!
- Mostly the practitioners prefer to use blunt swords while practicing.
- The modern iaido uses Dan Ranking System which is propounded by Hon’inbo Dosaku in the 15th century.
- No sitting is allowed in this game.
- It can be performed solo.
- The term ‘iaijutsu’ was first introduced in the late 15 th
Before You Go:
You surely have moved the wooden stick aimlessly assuming it as a sword. That is a fictional game we all enjoy playing in our childhood. The concepts of sword and swordsmanship have always been a fascination for us since early childhood. We hope you have enjoyed the story of real swordsmanship. How did you like the facts and details we shared about iaijutsu? Let us know below.
-by Ishita Mondal
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