Pardon the pun, but the point of iaido is important to keep.
When we practice iaido or iaijutsu alone it is easy to fall into bad habits or become complacent. There are many schools of iaijutsu or battōjutsu. Among the techniques, there is a moment where the opponent has been cut down. After the coupe de grâs, the iaijutsu practitioner usually performs a ceremonial sword cleansing technique commonly referred to as chiburi, before putting his sword away.
The moment between the final blow and the cleaning of the blade is crucial. Today I was teaching about this moment as it has gotten lost by some students. That moment is when we must know exactly where the enemy is and keep our sword and body in the right posture. We must use tame 溜. Tame is what we call the retention of awareness where we maintain our mind-body on whatever the subject of focus is. In this case, it is to keep ourselves and the sword positioned against the enemy. The fight is not over and there is no time to relax the sword, mind, or body.
Fill it up.
If the mind is empty (of energy) and the sword is also pointing where it shouldn't be then our form is garbage. Even if we jumped 18 feet and did the biggest kirioroshi of our lives; if the gas runs out of our engine after that and we just stand there limp in all manners of incorrect attitude physically and spiritually then we have failed. You can spin and jump and shout. You can even have drums banging away in your dojo. Speed and bombast don't matter if your tank is empty of tame.
Keep the mode of observation from the start to the finish. The finish being the sword is returned and you have walked back to where the start is. From the moment we begin the form we must have this filling of awareness. Like the air in a balloon. Our mind and body must expand.
Be vigilant in your iaido practice to keep your tame balloon filled with energy. Thank you for spending time reading my thoughts.
ラジカスキー真照
館長Saneteru Radzikowski is the head sword instructor of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō. He lives and teaches Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu from Nara, Japan.
7 Year Anniversary of Online and In-person Sword Learning
Today marks a significant milestone in our journey — the 7th Anniversary of Shinkan-ryu Kenpo!...
Martial Arts Responsibility
As a martial arts instructor, or school, or especially if you’re representing an authentic Japanese...
Bujutsu Thoughts Issin-furan
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" publish_date="" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center...
Waza: Quality or Quantity?
Waza Waza Everywhere In our respective martial arts systems, we learn many waza 技 (techniques)....
Happy New Year
From all of us at Shinkan-ryū Kenpō to you, Have a wonderful New Year Celebration....
What do I need to study bujutsu?
Learning a traditional bujutsu, koryu, or comprehensive martial art is best approached as a serious...
Attachment, Budo & Impermanence
It is worth a lot to be mindful of the ebb and flow of all...
Duping The Gaijin – Martial Arts Fraud
Some Japanese schools or individuals wish to capitalize on the ignorance of non-Japanese martial artists...
On being human and a martial artist
It is difficult to wind through the brambles and thorns of life. It is impossible...
Too Many Martial Arts
The koryū of Japan are not self-defense arts. Although they can be authentic and certainly...
Dominando las Artes Marciales y las Bases
Hablaré acerca de bases y dominio. Antes de comenzar, quiero decir que usaré la palabra...
A Lesson Of The Brush & Budō
Today during shodo practice I wrote this. Our minds as the top of...
Speed, Martial Arts and Samurai Theater
What’s the difference between bugei 武芸 (martial arts) demonstrations and stunts? People are awed by...
Mastering The Martial Arts and Basics
I will be talking about basics and mastery. Before I begin, I want to say...
How To Learn Samurai Sword Fighting Without A Teacher?
I get asked often, “Hey, is it possible to learn sword fighting without a teacher...
Code of Bushido Righteous Heart
Being righteous and doing the right thing is one of the foundations of body and...
Playing With Sharp Swords
I have been saying it’s important to get training for using a sharp sword or...
What is Kenjutsu? A guide to Japanese swordsmanship
Kenjutsu (剣術) is the Japanese art of the sword. It is one of the four...
Unleash the Potential of Your Iaido Success
We’re diving deep into the art and discipline of Iaido, a journey that goes far...
What is true budo?
Studying the arts of fighting leads to peace. The pursuit of martial arts has one...
Son lo Mismo las Habilidades de Combate y las Artes Marciales?
Porqué hacer la diferencia entre arte marcial y habilidad de combate? Pienso que las habilidades...
Four Enemies
Four Friends. Four Enemies. One morning while on alms rounds the Buddha gave a heap...