Iaido and Iaijutsu are traditional Japanese martial arts that focus on sword-drawing techniques and quick strikes with the sword. While the two are often considered similar, there are some fundamental differences between Iaido and Iaijutsu. Iaido places more emphasis on calmness, spirituality, and philosophy in training techniques, while Iaijutsu focuses more on fast and effective fighting techniques.

For those interested in starting Iaido or Iaijutsu training, here’s a guide to understanding the basics of the training and how to train key techniques in both martial arts.

1. Basic Understanding of Iaido and Iaijutsu
Iaido: This martial art focuses on drawing the sword (iaigoshi) and cutting very quickly after the sword is drawn from its sheath. Iaido training places more emphasis on mental discipline and calmness in every movement. Kakek Merah

Iaijutsu: Unlike Iaido, Iaijutsu focuses on fighting techniques that involve quick and precise strikes with the sword, with an emphasis on speed and power in combat.

Although both use swords, the approach and purpose of their training can be slightly different. The training in both martial arts is very structured and requires high dedication.

2. Basic Training Steps in Iaido/Iaijutsu
a. Physical and Mental Preparation
Before starting to train, it is important to prepare your body and mind. As a martial art, Iaido/Iaijutsu teaches balance between body and mind. Here are some preparation steps that must be taken:

Warm-up: Warm up to avoid injury. Focus on stretching the muscles of the upper body, especially the arms and shoulders, because they will be used a lot during training.

Mentality: Training in this martial art requires high concentration. Stay calm, focus, and appreciate every movement made. This training is not only about physical skills, but also about self-control and respect for tradition.

b. Understanding Basic Positions (Shisei)
Basic positions are the first step to understand in Iaido/Iaijutsu. There are several basic positions that must be mastered, such as:

Seiza (Sitting Position): A traditional Japanese sitting position, where the body sits with the knees bent and the back straight. In many Iaido exercises, you will start from this position.

Iaigoshi (Standing Position): A standing position similar to a fighting position, with the legs wide apart to provide stability when drawing the sword.

c. Drawing the Sword (Nukitsuke)
One of the main movements in Iaido/Iaijutsu is to quickly draw the sword from its sheath, which is called nukitsuke.

Nukitsuke Steps:

Stand with your body upright.
Place your hands on the sheath, with the sword facing forward.
When you draw the sword, do it very quickly and immediately make a horizontal or vertical cut on the target line of the enemy's shadow.

Always make sure your movements are smooth and precise, because speed and precision are key in this technique.
d. Cutting and Finishing (Kirisage)
After doing nukitsuke, you will practice kirisage, which is a technique for cutting with the sword after it has been drawn. This technique requires you to make a cut with high precision according to the movements that have been learned.

Kirisage Steps:

After drawing the sword, make a cut in one smooth and fast movement.
Focus the cut in the right direction, whether it is from bottom to top, top to bottom, or diagonally, depending on the style and application in the training.
e. Finishing the Movement with an Upright Position (Chiburi and Nukitsuke)
After making a cut, you will practice to close the movement with an upright position. One of the important aspects in Iaido/Iaijutsu is chiburi (the movement to clean the sword after cutting) and nukitsuke which are done calmly and disciplined.

Chiburi Steps:

After making a cut, lift the sword and move it slightly to remove the enemy's blood from the sword.
Then, carefully bring the sword back to its original position and prepare for the next attack or defense.
f. Practice with Bokken or Katana
At first, practice is done using a bokken (wooden sword) to avoid injury. Over time, you can move on to practicing with a katana (real sword) under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

3. Advanced Training: Kenji and Koryu
Once you have mastered the basic techniques, you will progress to advanced training such as kenji (partner training) and koryu (traditional style training).

Kenji: Partner training where you practice with a friend or partner using a sword. Here, you will practice attack and defense techniques in more realistic situations.