The art of Iaido [pronounced ee-eye-dough) is elegant and would appear to be simple. The student sits or stands quietly, draws out a blade and cuts through the air all in one motion, then puts the sword back into the scabbard. To the casual observer, there is not a lot to see. Iaido, however, is an exacting art which demands a high level of focus and mental concentration. It is an art of precise motions with only centimetres of tolerance and split second timing. It is also an individual art that involves the student and the sword struggling to achieve perfection of form. Beyond this physical aspect, Iaido is also "budo" - a philosophically oriented Japanese "martial way". The name “Iaido” itself is composed of three ideograms: “I”, “AI” and “DO”. “I” means to “reside” or “be” in a certain place; “AI” means “harmony”; and “DO” means “road” or “path”. Hence, “Iaido” means the path to finding harmony in any situation in which one finds oneself – to be prepared for any eventuality. Overcoming hardships, meeting challenges with strength of spirit and integrity, are part of the path (do) inherent in Iaido. Iaido is a very old traditional martial art. Etiquette, Japanese culture and history are all important aspects of Iaido taught at Rai Un Kai. In addition to Iaido, Rai Un Kai teaches the traditional Japanese martial art of Jodo. Jodo is the art of the 4 foot staff, used against an opponent armed with a sword. Jodo provides excellent counter-point to Iaido, giving the student a tangible opponent, with an imminent threat to deal with.
