In
ancient Japan, in the 17th century, the samurai developed special
exercises to help them using their sword successfully at a sudden
threat in the house or on the street. Under the influence of zen
buddhism these exercise forms were refined to profound teaching
systems: they left their warlike origin and won spiritual depth. They
became iaido, the way of the sword.
As every traditional martial art, iaido is practised as kata, a fixed
sequence of cuts, thrusts and strikes in a fight against an imaginary
opponent. Usually iado is practised on your own with a iaito, an
unsharpened japanese sword. Later you will also use a shinken or
katana, a real sword. Sometimes you practise with a partner, using
wooden swords.
Iaido is a permanent change between calmness and movement. While you
try innumerable times to gain perfection in your movements, you will
train perception, control and timing. You will develop personality,
clarity of the spirit, calmness and concentration. It is very important
to find harmony between body, mind and sword.
Jodo,
the way of the stick, is a japanese martial art, using a wooden stick
aganinst a sword attack. Jodo is practised by two partners. One of them
is using the jo, a 128 cm long wooden stick. The other partner uses the
tachi, a wooden sword.
Traditionally you practise kata: a fixed combination of movements and
techniques. The goal of training is not only reaching effective
techniques but also control of the body and precision in movement. Jodo
increases your awareness, alertness and power of concentration. It is
practised with respect for the opponent and trains character and
personality.
last update: 27 March 2011
IAIDO&JODO
+++ Welcome! This portal wants to offer much and usefull information concerning the japanese martial arts iaido and jodo. With a click on "iaido" or "jodo" you will find something about the history. A click on "dojo" will lead you to the clubs and schools in most european countries. Under "agenda/events" you will find detailed information about seminars all over Europe +++