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Iaido

Handbook

American Karate & Ju Jitsu Union (OHIO)

Revised 3/29/16 (AHB)

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Class Opening and Closing Procedures

After entering the dojo, the student will uncase the sword, fold the bag and place it with their belongings. The sword is carried in the right hand, blade edge up. The student is now ready to begin. When entering the training area, bow and move the sword over to the left hand.

The sensei will call “Seiretsu” and the students will line up, facing the instructor, from right to left, according to rank.

The sensei will call “Torei” and the students and instructor will turn toward the designated alter area, school flag, USA flag, etc and perform the formal bow, lifting the sword above the heir heads with the tsuka or handle pointing to their left. The saya is grasped by the left hand at the tsuba, palm up and the right is approximately halfway on the saya, palm up. The student will bow with the sword above their head.

The sensei will call “Mae” and all students will turn back to their original position returning the sword to their left side.

The sensei will call “Zen Dachi” and students and sensei will kneel facing each other and place the sword at their left side, blade edge facing inward with the tsuba 3-4 inches away, level with the knee.

The sensei will call “Mokuso” and students will close their eyes for meditation; hands resting on the upper thighs.

The sensei will call “Yame” and students will open their eyes. Without verbal command the sensei will raise his/her hands to the front; the

students will follow, the sensei will then clap both hands twice, the students doing so at the same time. The hands are then placed on top of the thighs.

The sensei will call “Kenrei” and students will place the sword approximately 12 inches to the front with the tsuba pointing to the right, blade edge inward toward the student.

The sensei will call “Rei”, and the student will perform a bow. The bow is performed by placing both hands on the ground left first, then right; between themselves and the sword and forming a heart with their thumbs and first finger. The student will then bow, lowering their head to their hands.

The sensei will call “Tasuki”, then sensei and students will remove Tasuki from inside their Gi and proceed to tie up their sleeves according to instructions.

After the tasuki is secured, the student will pause for the instructor to lift sword, and then lift their sword and place the sword in the belt, then complete with the proper tie in as they have been instructed.

The sensei will call “Age” and students will stand up. The sensei will call “Rei” and the students will bow.

For the closing, the following order of commands will be given: Seiretsu, Rei, Zen Dachi, Mokuso, Yame (clap the hands twice), Kenrei (Rei), Tasuki, Age, Torei, Mae, Rei, and class is then dismissed.

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Class Rules and Etiquette

1. Always treat the sword as a deadly weapon – no matter if wood or metal blade. 2. Never transport a sword uncovered outside of the training area. 3. Never touch another person’s sword. 4. Stop all movement upon the command “YAME!” 5. Never present a sword edge forward to another, except under training conditions and

command of the instructor. 6. Never make a preparation move to draw the sword toward another, except under training

conditions and command of the instructor. 7. Anyone seeing an unsafe condition may yell “YAME” at which time all movement will

stop until the instructor instructs otherwise. 8. Never completely draw the sword when presenting or showing it to more than one

person. Never draw a sword in anger or jest. 9. Always keep your sword in good condition with basic cleaning after each use. 10. NO talking during training without permission 11. NO watches, rings, or dangling jewelry during training. 12. Lastly, but not least, leave your ego at the door. There is no place for it in sword.

Uniform and Weapon Requirements: Uniform: In class the student will wear white top and black hakama (required for blue rank

and higher). The belt (Keiko Obi) can be any color other than black. Instructors will wear black top and black hakama with a black belt. The Ko Sutemi Seiei Kan Iaido patch is displayed on the left breast.

Weapon: The appropriate weapon is left to the discretion of the instructor, however the weapon should be solidly made and any metal blades must be “full tang”, and double pinned (meguki). *(Full tang means the metal reaches all the way through the end of the handle.)

**Options include: Wooden bokken (saya optional), wooden katana with saya, a non-edged competition sword (Iaito), or a real/sharpened sword (Shinken). Students need to be given permission before moving up to metal blades (both Iaito and Shinken separately).

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Basic Sword Parts

Blade Handle Point of Blade - Kissaki Blade Sleeve - Habaki Tang – Nakago Spacers - Seppa Edge of Blade – Ha Guard - Tsuba Back of Blade – Mune Handle - Tsuka Side of Blade – Ji Guard Cap - Fuchi Blade Ridge - Shinogi Handle Cord - Tsuka Ito Temper Line - Hamon Ornaments - Menuki Back Notch - Mune Machi Handle Pin - Mekugi Edge Notch - Ha Machi Handle Cap - Kashira

Hilt Knot - Makidome

Scabbard Additional Scabbard – Saya Sword Rack - Katana Kake Cord – Sageo Sword Bag - Katana Bukuro Cord knob – Kurikata Long Sword - Katana Mouth of Scabbard – Koiguchi Short Sword - Wakizashi End Cap – Kojiri Dagger – Tanto

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Basic Sword Techniques

Basic Sword Cuts 1. Men Suki - Downward head strike (top head to groin) 2. Kesa Suki (Hadari & Migi) - Diagonal cut down (left and right; collar bone to waist) 3. Ichimonji Suki (Hadari & Migi) - Horizontal cut (left and right) 4. Joho Suki (Hadari & Migi) - Diagonal cut up (left and right; waist to collar bone) 5. Morote Suki - Front thrust (aiming for sternum) 6. Age Mae Kiru - Upward front strike (groin to top of head) 7. Ure Kekomi - Back thrust (stab directly behind at an upwards angle) 8. Gedan Suki - Downward strike (stab to target on ground) Sword Draws 1. Kiru Nami - Cutting Wave (front horizontal) 2. Kiru Kaze - Cutting Wind (underhand horizontal) 3. Agaru Taiyo - Rising Sun (vertical draw) 4. Hadari Te - Left Hand 5. Maetate Nami - Cresting wave (front underhand, stab) Sword Returns 1. Noto Nami - Returning Wave (front horizontal) 2. Noto Kaze - Returning Wind (underhand horizontal) 3. Kumi Taiyo - Setting Sun (partial-vertical return) 4. Noto Kaiten - Returning Twirl (flip from standard to underhand grip)

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Katas

Happo No Giri – beginners “kata” demonstrating basic cuts in 8 directions. Nuki-katas - from Iaido, to strive for technical and physical perfection through mental

awareness and personal enlightenment. Tasu-katas - from Iaijutsu, these are simulated combat forms. These allow students

individualism and creativity, therefore allowing them to find their own art. Kihons - from Kendo, these are actual confrontations with real opponents. These bring an

element of danger and awaken the senses to the reality of the sword. These are performed with a partner.

Nukikatas Pronunciation 1- Ippon Me Mae ee-pon may mah-eh 2- Migi No Katto me-ghee no kah-toh 3- Hidari Kirtori hee-dah-ree keer-toh-ree 4- Kuburo Katto koo-boo-roo kah-toh 5- Nihon Me Ushiro nee-han may oo-she-roh 6- Kasumi No Kata kah-soo-mee no kah-tah 7- Shiho Giri she-hoh ghee-ree 8- Gyakute (g)yah-koo-tay 9- Tsuka Ate (t)soo-kah ah-tay 10- Ippon Ate ee-pon ah-tay 11- Bunkatsu Wokorosu boo-kah-(t)soo woh-koh-roh-soo 12- Kiru Ni Kaze kee-roo nee kah-zay

Tasu Katas

1- Kesagiri Bunakai kay-sah-ghee-ree boon-ah-kie 2- Katana Maetate Yama kah-tah-nah mah-eh-tah-tay yah-mah 3- Sangee no Katana san-ghee no kah-tah-nah

Kihons

1- Chuusin Dageki (Center Strike) choo-oo-seen dah-gay-kee 2- Kubi Tsuki (Neck Thrust) koo-bee (t)soo-kee 3- Kate Dageki (Wrist Strike) kah-tay dah-gay-kee 4- Hara Dageki (Stomach Strike) hah-rah dah-gay-kee 5- Migi Henshin (Right Side Deflection) mee-ghee hane-sheen

***Pronunciation should be close, but does not have to be exact. Different Japanese dialects will have different vowel pronunciations

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Advancement

Rank Promotion Rank Time in rank Time in Iaido (Minimum time at that rank)

8th kyu- White 0-3 months 0 to 3 months 7th kyu- Yellow 3 months 3 to 6 months 6th kyu- Blue 3 months 6 to 9 months 5th kyu- Green 5 month 11 to14 months 4th kyu- Purple 6 months 17 to 20 months 3rd kyu- Brown 12 months 29 to 32 months 2nd kyu- Brown, 1st Tip 6 months 35 to 38 months 1st kyu- Brown, 2nd Tip 6 months 41 to 44 months Shodan 6 months 47 to 50 months Nidan + In Time In Time **Students will wear a tasuki the same color as their rank. ***Instructors will wear a tasuki the color of their rank (Shodan = White & Black, Nidan = Yellow & Black, Sandan = Blue & Black, etc; following the same colors as the Student ranks + Black)

Traditional Iaido Ranks (Not used; Presented as Informational only)

Student Ranks Kyu Rank Equivalents Shoshinsa White, Yellow, Blue Chukai Green, Purple Nenchosa Brown Instructor Ranks Black Belt Equivalents Oku-Iri – 1st level instructor 1st degree black belt Monku Roku- 2nd 2nd degree black belt Menkyu-3rd 3rd degree black belt Kaiden- 4th 4th-5th degree Black Belt Shihan- 5th 5th 6th degree black belt Shihan Dai 6th level instructor 7th-8th Degree black belt Titles Renshi - Senior instructor Shihan - Master instructor Kyoshi - Grandmaster Bushi - Warrior/ protector of the style Hanshi - Senior grandmaster Soke - Founder

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Iaido Rank Requirements 8th Kyu – White Rank

Present an acceptable training weapon. 7th Kyu – Yellow Rank

Terminology.

Have an understanding of the etiquette and formal bows. Show familiarity with bow in and out ceremonies, cleaning, and transportation.

Perform first 4 Nukikata’s with some proficiency. 6th Kyu – Blue Rank

Terminology

All previous requirements.

Have an appropriate uniform (Hakama)

Know basic parts of the sword.

Demonstrate Happo No Giri - 8 directional cuts.

Demonstrate familiarity with bow in and out ceremonies.

Perform first 5 Nukikatas with some proficiency. 5th Kyu – Green Rank

Terminology

All previous requirements.

Demonstrate bow-in ceremony

Student should show marked improvement in performance and understanding of sword etiquette, as well as other aspects of swordsmanship.

Perform first 6 Nukikatas with speed and proficiency. 4th Kyu – Purple Rank

Terminology

All previous requirements.

Marked improvement in understanding and proficiency

Perform first 8 Nukikatas with speed and proficiency 3rd Kyu – Brown Rank

Terminology.

All previous requirements

Name the 8 basic cuts in Japanese

Perform the first 10 Nukikatas

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2nd Kyu – Brown, Tip 1 Rank

Terminology

All previous requirements

Demonstrate basic knowledge of all draws and returns.

Perform all Nukikatas with speed and proficiency.

Perform 1 Tasu Kata.

Cutting Requirement – Perform 2 cutting techniques as per instructions 1st Kyu – Brown, Tip 2 Rank

Terminology

All previous requirements.

Successfully perform and explain bunkai of all Nukikatas.

Successfully perform 2 Tasu Katas; 1 must have bunkai explained

Cutting Requirement – Perform 4 cutting techniques Shodan – Black Belt 1st degree

Six random Nukikatas chosen by instructor/test committee

One random Kihon chosen by instructor/test committee

One self-made kata performed and explain bunkai (a minimum of 25 moves, maximum of 35 moves; 1-3 draws/returns allowed; use of 3-8 basic cuts)

Three cuts between three targets. First cut must be made from Kiru Nami

When possible, Shodan test will be performed in front of a board of 3 black belts

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Iaido Terminology

7th Kyu Pronunciation Yellow Rank Zen Dachi zane dah-chee Mind Stance Torei toh-ray Formal Bow to Flag, School, etc Kenrei kane-ray Formal Bow to Sword Seiza say-zah Formal Sitting Katana kah-tah-nah Japanese Long Sword Saya sah-yah Scabbard Tsuba (t)soo-bah Guard Tsuka (t)soo-kah Handle Ken kane Blade Chiburi chee-boo-ree Remove Blood in Kata Noto noh-toh Return Sword to Scabbard Sayabiki sah-yah-bee-kee Drawing Scabbard to Sword Men Suki mane-soo-kee Downward Strike (Cut) Kiru Nami kee-roo nah-mee Cutting Wave Draw Noto Nami no-toh nah-mee Returning Wave Return Tasuki tah-soo-kee Cord/Ribbon (to tie back Sleeves) 6th Kyu Pronunciation Blue Rank Sonkyo soh-n-kee-oo Sitting on Balls of Feet Mune moo-nay Back of Blade Ha hah Edge of Blade Ji jee Side of Blade Sageo sah-gay-oh Scabbard Cord Kurikata koo-ree-kah-tah Cord Knob Kesa Suki kay-sah soo-kee Diagonal Cut Downward Ichimonji Suki itch-ee-mon-ghee soo-kee Horizontal Cut Joho Suki joh-hoh soo-kee Diagonal Cut Upward Agaru Taiyo ah-gah-roo tie-yoo Rising Sun Draw Kumi Taiyo koo-mee tie-yoo Setting Sun Return Hidari hee-dah-ree Left Migi mee-ghee Right 5th Kyu Pronunciation Green Rank Kissaki kee-sah-kee Tip of Blade Hamon hah-moh-n Temper Line Shinogi she-no-ghee Blade Ridge Mune Machi moo-nay mah-chee Back Notch Ha Machi hah mah-chee Edge Notch Habaki hah-bah-kee Blade Sleeve Morote Suki moh-roh-tay soo-kee Front Thrust (Cut) Kiru Kaze kee-roo kah-zay Cutting Wind Draw Noto Kaze no-toh kah-zay Returning Wind (Return) Hadari Te hah-dah-ree tay Left Hand Draw

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4th Kyu Pronunciation Purple Rank Fuchi foo-chee Guard Cap Kashira kah-she-rah Handle End Cap Tsuka Ito (t)soo-kah ee-toh Handle Cord Menuki may-noo-kee Handle Ornaments Hi hee Blood Groove Koiguchi koy-ghoo-chee Mouth of Scabbard Kojiri koh-jee-ree Scabbard End Cap Ure Kekomi oo-ray kay-koh-mee Back Thrust (Cut) Maetate Nami mah-eh-tah-tay nah-mee Cresting Wave Draw Noto Kaiten no-toh kah-ee-tane Returning Twirl 3rd Kyu Pronunciation Brown Rank Mekugi may-koo-ghee Handle Pin Nakago nah-kah-goh Tang Seppa say-pah Spacers Makidome mah-kee-doh-mah Hilt Knot (to End Cap) Gedan Suki gay-dah-n soo-kee Downward Stab (Cut) Age Mae Kiru ah-gay mah-eh kee-roo Upward Front Cut Wakazashi wah-kee-zah-she Japanese Short Sword 2nd Kyu Pronunciation Brown Tip-1 Rank Kamiza kah-mee-zah Place of Honor in Dojo Tanto tah-n-toh Japanese Dagger Ya yah Attacker in Kata Tow toh Defender in Kata Nikikata nee-kee-kah-tah Drawing Sword Katana Bukuro kah-tah-nah boo-koo-row Sword Bag 1st Kyu Pronunciation Brown Tip-2 Rank Bushi boo-she Old term for Warrior Nikisuke nee-kee-soo-kay Sword Draw Shinzo sheen-zoh Dojo Alter Katana Kake kah-tah-nah kah-kay Sword Rack Hojo Jinsuke hoh-joh jeen-soo-kee Founder of modern Iaido ***Pronunciation should be close, but does not have to be exact. Different Japanese dialects will have different vowel pronunciations