Good Year with the Horse
2026: The Year of the Fire Horse Dear Iaidokas, the Chinese calendar is always worth a look at the turn of the year. 2026 belongs to the Fire Horse (丙午, […]
Philosophy
Common beginner mistakes – and how to avoid them
Even the first weeks of training demand concentration, precision, and body awareness. Beginners quickly learn: movements that look simple are not easy to execute. Common challenges arise. Too much force,
Instead of Iaido
While other martial arts train with a variety of weapons, Iaido focuses solely on the practice of the sword. But what if you have no opportunity to practice? What about
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. It’s not a rigid system of rules, but rather a dynamic, growing process. 1. Shu (守):
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 one-dimensional. However, the first action must be immediate. This is essential
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,