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 the sharpness of your spirit long before the blade leaves its saya. Etiquette — rei (礼), posture — kamae (構え), and bearing — kigurai (気位), form the invisible edge that shapes both character and technique.
To the casual eye, these may look like formalities — bows, kneeling, standing still. But within each movement lies a lesson in awareness, humility, and control.
1. Rei (礼) — The Foundation of Respect
Every Iaijutsu practice begins and ends with rei — the bow. It is far more than a polite gesture; it is the gateway between the ordinary and the martial.
The Meaning Behind the Bow
Rei reminds us that we enter the dojo not as conquerors, but as students. It expresses gratitude to our teachers, training partners, and the art itself. Through rei, we align body and spirit, leaving behind the distractions of daily life.
How Rei Shapes the Mind
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It cultivates humility — you lower yourself before the art.
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It prepares the mind — each bow becomes a moment of mental reset.
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It reinforces discipline — consistency in small acts leads to mastery in greater ones.
Without rei, the training loses its anchor. With it, every action gains meaning.
2. Kamae (構え) — More Than a Stance
Kamae is often translated as “stance,” but this is only the surface. In truth, kamae is the harmony of structure and intent — how your body, sword, and spirit align in readiness.
Physical Kamae
Posture, balance, and grip form the visible shape of kamae. A strong kamae reflects stable hips, relaxed shoulders, and grounded footwork.
Mental Kamae
Even when motionless, kamae expresses intent. Your opponent senses whether you are calm, confident, or unsettled. As the old saying goes: “The sword follows the heart.”
Kamae teaches that every moment of stillness holds potential energy. True readiness means you are already in motion before the blade moves.
3. Kigurai (気位) — The Spirit of Dignity
Kigurai is harder to define — it means “bearing” or “presence,” the quiet confidence that radiates from a martial artist who has internalised their art. It is the refinement of rei and kamae expressed as effortless composure.
A person with kigurai does not need to prove themselves. Their presence alone commands respect.
Signs of Kigurai in Practice
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Movements are efficient and unhurried.
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Eyes are alive but calm.
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Breath is steady; nothing is forced.
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Every action, from bowing to noto, is performed with sincerity.
Kigurai cannot be faked. It grows naturally through years of mindful training.
The Hidden Lesson: Etiquette as Training
In Iaijutsu, etiquette is not separate from combat — it is training.
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Rei teaches control of ego.
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Kamae teaches control of body.
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Kigurai teaches control of spirit.
Together, they form the invisible framework that supports every cut, draw, and movement.
A student who bows carelessly, rushes kamae, or neglects presence in stillness is training those same habits into their waza. Precision of movement begins with precision of mind.
Final Thought: Polishing the Spirit Through Form
Etiquette in Iaijutsu is not about appearance — it is about presence. Each bow, stance, and breath refines more than your technique; it refines you.
When rei, kamae, and kigurai unite, even simple movements become elegant, powerful, and sincere. In that union lies the true spirit of Iaijutsu: the art of composure before, during, and after the cut.
One Response
Beautifully put and stirring when you look at our years of practice and so nicely having the reinforcement of our longterm realisation that there is always something more to learn.
素晴らしいご指導をありがとうございました。
🙏🙇♂️🙏