Special Iaido Seminar
On Saturday February 9th (9-4) Appalachian Ki Aikido will be hosting Brian Kelley Sensei who will be giving a seminar on Iaido at our main dojo which is located at Boone Podiatry, 610 Sate Farm Rd. This seminar is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the art of Iaido (The art of harmonizing one's self in aciton). The cost: $25 which includes lunch.
What is Iaido?
Iaido is the art of reacting to a surprise attack by counter attacking with a sword.
An in-depth reading of the Japanese characters for iaido is:
I = being, AI = harmony, DO = way . "The way of harmonising oneself in action”.
The Iaidoka (a practitioner of iaido) wields a sword: not to control the opponent, but to control himself. Iaido is mostly performed solo as a series of Waza. The Iaidoka (student of Iaido) executes various techniques against single or multiple imaginary opponents. Each Waza begins and ends with the sword sheathed. In addition to sword technique, practitioners require imagination and concentration in order to maintain the feeling of a real fight and to keep the Kata fresh. In order to properly perform the waza, Iaidoka also learn posture and movement, grip, and swing. Iaido is never practised in a free-sparring manner.
Iaidoka practice to prepare for a surprise attack, where an immediate, efficient solution to the problem of aggression is necessary. Therefore, the technique is highly refined. Every unnecessary movement is cut away. Technique is simple and direct. The training method is aimed towards development of the practitioner’s every mental and physical resources.
Iaido is an authentic martial art that proved its martial values in a time of constant battle and warfare, that was preserved and passed on directly from teacher to student over generations in an unbroken lineage for 450 years. Iaidoka developed the mind towards an ultimately peaceful, harmonious, and active state ready to react and deal with any life situation.
For more information check out www.iaido.org.