Iaido 「居合道」
Iaido is one of the two arts integrated into Iai-battojutsu. The term 'Iaido' first appeared in 1932 as a variation on 'Iaijutsu', an old martial term for sword work (very similar to Battojutsu). As had become somewhat fashionable in Japan at the time, the '-jutsu' was changed to '-do' to emphasize a more philosophical approach. Its primary focus shifted towards the psychological state of "being present in the here and now" and embodying the morals of the "classical warrior". Battle was no longer with a tangible opponent, but with one's own self; the sword becoming a tool for spiritual and personal development.
Iaido is typified by smooth, controlled movements that demonstrate mastery in drawing, cutting and sheathing the sword. Practice exercises, known as 'Kata', are typically performed solo and always start and end with a sheathed sword. They are designed to deal with a sudden attack or threat as quickly as possible. Most practitioners use dulled katana swords called 'Iaito' for safety reasons. Since the art is about pursuing self-mastery and demonstrating solo techniques, competitions do not include sparring of any type and, instead, focus on kata.
Iaido is typified by smooth, controlled movements that demonstrate mastery in drawing, cutting and sheathing the sword. Practice exercises, known as 'Kata', are typically performed solo and always start and end with a sheathed sword. They are designed to deal with a sudden attack or threat as quickly as possible. Most practitioners use dulled katana swords called 'Iaito' for safety reasons. Since the art is about pursuing self-mastery and demonstrating solo techniques, competitions do not include sparring of any type and, instead, focus on kata.
The above video superbly captures the feeling one gets when doing Iaido, something rarely conveyed. The video was created by Nestor Espinosa with INEDITT Photography for La Asociación Cultural Meigetsu, a Spanish martial arts group, for their 2012 event, "Jornadas de Iaido en L´Eliana Valencia".
Iai-battojutsu uses kata the same way Iaido does, developing quick effective sword skills through repetitive solo practice. Much of this training will use an iaito, though more advanced practitioners tend to be more comfortable using a live sword ('Shinken'). The component of Iaido not emphasized in Iai-battojutsu is the spiritual goal that pure Iaido embodies.