iaido

Japanese blade discipline

Iaido is a Japanese martial art focused on drawing and cutting with a sword in a single fluid motion, then returning it to the scabbard.

Unlike kendo, which involves sparring, iaido is practiced solo through choreographed forms called kata.

The discipline emphasizes precise technique, mental focus, and the cultivation of awareness: She practices iaido every morning before work.

martialart

aikido

Throwing art using redirection

judoJapanese throwing discipline
kenjutsuJapanese martial blade art
karateJapanese unarmed combat discipline

discipline

kata

Martial arts movement pattern

practiceRepeated work toward mastery
trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
focusConcentrated attention point

precision · dedication · concentration · repetition · mastery · refinement · commitment · perseverance · patience · self-improvement

meditation

zen

Meditative calm

mindfulnessAwareness of the present
breathingPulmonary gas exchange
awarenessState of perceiving reality

stillness · presence · calmness · serenity · contemplation · centering · composure · equanimity · focus · clarity

swordsmanship

katana

Curved Japanese fighting blade

drawCreate with pencil
cutSeverance or reduction
sheatheInsert into covering

blade · stance · angle · timing · edge

samurai

katana

Curved Japanese fighting blade

warriorOne skilled in combat
roninFeudal drifter-warrior
feudalOf tiered landownership

japan · nobility · clan · shogun · daimyo · honor · loyalty · budo · tradition · heritage

flow

fluidity

State of flowing freely

graceEffortless beauty of motion
smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
continuityUninterrupted progression or coherence

rhythm · precision · movement · seamlessness · effortlessness · timing · transition · harmony · balance · elegance

Categories

Japanese culturesamurai, kabuki, sumo, origami, tea ceremony
Asian gamesgo, judo, karate, mahjong, sumo
combat artssword fighting, swordfighting, boxing, wrestling, grappling
samuraisamurai, katana, ronin, shogun, seppuku
Samurai Artskenjutsu, katana, wakizashi, tanto, swordsmanship
sword fightingfencing, kenjutsu, parry, riposte, lunge

Opposites

solo vs. paired practice

iaidokendo

Japanese bamboo fencing

kumite · sparring · competitive fencing · dueling · MMA

sheathed/drawing vs. already-drawn combat

Japanese martial blade art

kendo · sword fighting · fencing · swordsmanship

internal/meditative vs. external/combative purpose

iaidoMMA

Hybrid combat sport

Muay Thai · boxing · street fighting · combat sports · self-defense

Family

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated PG