Iai is a traditional Japanese martial art dedicated to drawing the sword. The art has been known by a variety of names throughout the centuries, such as iaiheihō, battōjutsu, saya no uchi and many others, but the word “iai” is said to come from the phrase “Tsune ni ite, kyū ni awasu”, which can be roughly translated as “always be aware of the moment and rapidly respond to it”. In other words, the art focuses on responding to a variety of attacks in different situations and overcoming the opponent, all of which begin from a sheathed position. Each confrontation is decided the moment the sword is drawn, so the mind and body are forged through dedicated training. Iai is a culmination of tested techniques passed on by generations of warriors.

However, the aim of iai is not to cause harm to others. The aim is actually to achieve peace— to protect oneself and overcome conflicts. The true, innermost teachings of iai describe winning a conflict without drawing the sword.

At our dōjō, we train in Musō Shinden Jūshin Ryū. This school is credited as the source of iai as a stand-alone art, and it is characterised by its simultaneously offensive and defensive techniques that have been passed down through the centuries, such as uke, ukenagashi, inashi, haraisute, kirimusubi, haraiage and more. While passing on the traditions of this school, we also practise the 12 more modern techniques of Zen Nippon Kendō Renmei Iai.