Historia
Quick draws the sword in Japan was an extremely important skill, because in case of sudden and unexpected attack, life in general depend on the fractions of seconds. Iai jutsu combines just the ability to quickly draw a sword and a smooth transition to the counter-attack on one or more opponents. Iai jutsu
Speaking of Iai jutsu, you should bear in mind that the effectiveness of the defense in different situations is not only a perfect mastery of the sword, but also the ability to judge distance and direction of attack and the proper selection of its accession to the defense and counterattack. The combination of all these elements and their expression in the work of the sword and the body, forms a harmonious whole, which only gives you a chance to defeat the enemy.
The origins of the sword schools
Iai schools are considered to be a unique part of Japanese fencing. Some techniques date back to the fifteenth and sixteenth century. It is uncertain exactly when they emerged in various forms. Known is that most of them systematized in the Edo period (1603 - 1868).
Iai jutsu creator
The creator of Iai jutsu is considered Jinsuke Hayashizaki Shigenobu (1545-1618). It also called Hayashizaki Minamoto no Shigenobu Jinsuke or Hojo Jinsuke Shigenobu. Born in province Sagiami. Created a series of techniques known as Iai Batto - Jutsu. His martial art was also known under other names, namely: Shinmei Muso Ryu Batto-Jutsu, Hayashizaki Ryu, Shin Muso Hayashizaki Ryu.
After the death of the author continued the tradition of the school Shigemasa Tamiya Heibei, who was known as a teacher of the Tokugawa Ieasu, Hitetada and Iemitsu. It was he who helped to popularize this style of fighting.
Birth of Iaido
Before the Edo period Iai techniques were not as significant as other styles, mainly because it was unsuitable for direct use on the battlefield (before the battle was a lot of time to draw the weapon).
Seventh soke was Hesagawa Chikaranosuke Eishin (Hidenobu). He studied at the school of Iai Jo Banno Dan'emon no Nobusada in Edo. He gained a reputation very talented swordsman. Perfected many techniques and created a style in which the forms are executed with a sword inserted in the obi (belt), blade up.
In 1968, a committee composed of the greatest masters of the sword created on the basis of seven different schools of Iaido, and in 1977, ten kata known as the Zen Ken Ren Iai Seitei. From 1 April 2001 Seitei Iai already has 12 molds. They have been created primarily for students of Kendo. Seitei Iai Kata contain the basis for further exploration of the essence of art, "drawing the sword," but only in the study of ancient Koryu schools (eg, Muso Shinden Ryu ) manifested the true spirit of Iaido.
Prepared by Robert George Krac
