Shu Ha Ri: Three Phases of Understanding in Iaido
The Japanese term Shu Ha Ri (守破離) describes how knowledge matures in martial arts. Not as a rigid system of rules, but as a growing process. 1. Shu (守): Building […]
Philosophy
Nukitsuke with concept
Nukitsuke (抜き付け) with Concept To reduce the essence of Iaido to merely the fast drawing of the sword is absolutely one-dimensional. Certainly, it’s true that the first action must be
More Success in the Year of the Wood Snake
2025: The Year of the Wood Snake Dear Iaidokas, let us take inspiration from the Chinese calendar, which offers some perspectives for the upcoming year of practice. 2025 is the
5 Elements and Iaido
The elemental approach in chinese martial arts encloses five elements – 木 (Wood), 火 (Fire), 土 (Earth), 金 (Metal), and 水 (Water) – each of them associated with specific qualities.
Hello Chinese Year of the Wood-Dragon
Dear Iaido Friends, we love to draw inspiration from japanese metaphysics, including the Chinese calendar. Looking back at the past Yin year, designated as the ›Water-Rabbit‹, we recall the characteristic
Saya no uchi
Less can be added to the excellent article of Sayanouchi by Saneterao, but I’ll try a few additions. A high goal in swordsmanship is: Saya no uchi de katsu, victory
Heijyoshin vs. Shikai
The four diseases Shikai – is there a cure? Again Geoff inspires me in his article: Shikai, (shi = four, kai = Bereich) the four sicknesses are Kyo-Ku-Gi-Waku, surprise, fear,
Quick Koan Solutions for Swordsmen
Swordsmen are rumored to solve problems in a flash, drawing from their mighty Hara and, if necessary, with the help of their inherited 100-year-old family sword. So, what’s your answer
Eat, sleep, go Iaido
Hardly anyone has the opportunity to enjoy full-time Iaido training. Also in Germany there is certainly no one who runs his own professional dojo of this kind. How can one