 |
Goshindo incorporates Toyama Iaido into the aforesaid system. This Japanese “gendai” (modern) sword system employs a variety of methods gleaned from many “koryu” (classical) styles homogenized to ensure total skill and complete knowledge of the sword. Many of these classical techniques were absorbed into the Toyama system. From the beginning of the Showa era (circa 1925), Toyama Iai-Batto-Do was officially taught to the military.
For detailed information on iaido, consult the book The Essential Introductory Book for the Japanese Sword.
When the Toyama Iaido patterns are perfected other systems and styles are also available for the enthusiast, student or master. These are explained below:
Nakamura-Ryu (8 kata series)
The Nakamura-Ryu 8 kata series closely follows the Japanese Military Toyama-Ryu series but putting emphasis on test cutting (tameshigiri). These forms, movements and cutting techniques employ the basic 8 patterns called Happo-giri, which imitate the strokes of a calligraphy brush.
This kata series is comprised of 8 forms, which the practitioner visualizes and defends against one to three imaginary opponents. The basic components of each kata include unsheathing the blade from different angles; executing upward and downward diagonal, vertical and horizontal cuts; chiburi/ cleaning the blade, and re-sheathing the sword using various patterns. This kata creates a strong cutting foundation.
Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei (2-person kumitachi 10 kata series)
Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Kata are pre-set sequences of motions that illustrate one or more aspects of the movement and technique of the sword. Kendo kata are first practiced with a solid wooden sword called a bokutou. With experience the forms will be practiced with steel swords. There are ten kendo kata specified by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei. Kendo kata are practiced between two people, the Uchitachi and the Shidachi. In kendo kata, the Uchitachi attacks; the Shidachi demonstrates a proper response to the attack.
Seven of these kata demonstrate techniques that are used by a long sword defending/attacking against another long sword. The last three kata demonstrate the short sword defending against attacks by the long sword. Originally, the role of Uchitachi was taken by the teacher, and the role of Shidachi by the student.
Zen Nihon Kendo/Iaido Renmei (Seitei-Iai 12 kata series)
The Zen Nihon Kendo/Iaido Renmei 12 kata series is derived from several old “koryu” schools of iai. Iaido kata are solitary forms in which the practitioner visualizes and defends against one to four imaginary opponents. This kata series offers a well rounded education in kneeling and standing sword movements and techniques. The basic components of each kata include unsheathing the blade; executing a disabling cut; follow through on the cut; chiburi/ cleansing by flinging the blade, and re-sheathing. Every movement is precisely timed and executed.
Kodachi-Iai (10 kata short sword series)
Kodachi-Iai (iaido) employs a set of ten short sword kata. These ten solitary forms consist of many gendai (modern) and koryu (classical) movements. Short sword techniques follow the same lines and cutting patterns as most long swords. Kodachi Iai forms were designed to understand the complexity of being ambidextrous with a one-handed short sword.
These 10 forms encompass offensive and defensive scenarios. The first five-kata dwell on foundation skills while the second allows one to work on the finer points, various subtleties and protocol. Kodachi-Iai forms begin with drawing the sword; executing a cut or series of cuts; chiburi or cleaning the blade, and returning the blade to the scabbard.
