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, […]
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
All Kata Okuden (Muso Shinden Ryu)
The video series on Muso Shinden Ryu, which consists of three levels, concludes with the 21 forms of Okuden (secret level). Variations of each kata exist and become apparent depending
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
Fire Katana best?
The latest weapons development fitting for New Year’s eve and other crazy times: a fire katana that can spread fire. Strangely enough there are instructions for building it online (which
ZNKR-Iai all katas
Very clearly performed Seitei-Iai by Felipe Pérez Montecinos in Chile. Good for learning!
Iaito production in Japan
By chance YouTube showed me a movie about the production of iaitos in Japan. I emphasize this because a large part of the production has certainly gone abroad. Here you