Enter the Dojo
These posts are intended to help you develop skills that round out your training as an Iaidoka
Hasuji: The Line of the Blade and the Path of Precision
Understanding edge alignment in Iaijutsu and the truth it reveals in every cut In Iaijutsu, few concepts are as revealing — or as unforgiving —
Iaijutsu, applying Budo to our Daily Life
Lessons in presence, timing, and control outside the dojo Iaijutsu is not only the art of drawing the sword — it is the art of
Why Etiquette Matters in Iaijutsu (Rei, Kamae, and Kigurai)
The Hidden Lessons Within Proper Behavior and Presence In Iaijutsu, the sword is not the only thing that cuts. Your attitude, posture, and manner reveal
From Repetition to Refinement: Staying Motivated in Practice
Dealing with Plateaus and Finding Joy in Small Improvements Traditional martial arts like Iaijutsu thrive on repetition. Drawing, cutting, re-sheathing — again and again, sometimes
Solo Drills to Improve Your Iaijutsu at Home
Structured Routines for Cutting, Noto, Nukitsuke, and Kata Review Iaijutsu is best learned under the guidance of a teacher, but much of its refinement comes
Slow is Smooth: The Importance of Controlled Repetition
In a world that prizes speed, it can feel counterintuitive to move slowly — especially in a martial art where decisive, lightning-fast draws and cuts
Zanshin: More Than Just a Finishing Pose
In many martial arts, students are taught to “finish strong” — to end a technique with posture, focus, and intent. In Iaijutsu, this quality is
Tenouchi: Understanding Grip and Its Role in Effective Cutting
In Iaijutsu, the sword is not simply held — it is gripped with intention. This is the essence of tenouchi (手の内), often translated as “inside
Yaegaki (八重垣) — The Eightfold Fence and the Divine Armour
In Japanese swordsmanship, the names of waza often hide deeper meanings, carrying lessons for both the body and the spirit. Yaegaki — usually translated as
Saya-Biki: The Forgotten Half of the Draw
In Iaijutsu, the sword is rarely moved in isolation. Every movement is the result of a coordinated action between body, sword, and scabbard. Yet one