Iaido 居合道

Art of drawing and cutting with the sword in one motion, practised through solo kata.

Key characteristics

• Nukitsuke, kiritsuke, chiburi, noto

Forms & curriculum

• Seitei Iai kata

What training looks like

Weapon arts usually start with stance, footwork and handling using training tools (wooden or blunt). Solo patterns come first; partner drills and controlled sparring come later.

Questions to ask a school

• Are training weapons provided?
• What safety equipment is used?
• How do empty-hand basics connect to the weapon work?