Perth Martial Arts Academy

Iaido, pronounced ‘e-i-do’, is the ‘way of drawing the sword’, and is a traditional and highly respected martial art of Japan. The main premise behind Iaido is the ‘perfection of self’ through formal practice of the sword. Iai is performed with either the Iaito (blunt sword) or the Shinken (live blade, for more skilled and higher level practitioners). Iaido is a path to martial art mastery.

Unlike Kenjutsu, where practitioners compete with already drawn swords, Iaido is an art of self-defence whereby you aim to draw the sword immediately and defeat your opponent at the moment of his sudden attack. As an art of self defence, the purpose of Iaido is to master the secret to win over and spiritually conquer your opponent with your sword left in the sheath. In other words, you settle problems without resorting to fighting.

The method of ZEN KEN REN SEITEI IAI is the principle art of Iaido taught at the academy and is representative of some of the various methods of numerous old schools of Iai.

This art is very useful for martial art beginners and experts alike who wish to gain true insight into the use of the Japanese Sword.