Martial Arts Groups

What is Iaido?

 Iaido is a Japanese sword art characterised by a 'quick draw' and cut straight from the sheath? The art focuses on being aware at all times and able to respond swiftly and effectively to an opponent. 

One criticism of the sword arts is that as we don’t tend to go walking down the street with a sword strapped to our side anymore what use are they? Modern iaido is concerned with developing the mind, body and spirit although the techniques involved are still rooted in combat effectiveness. Amongst other attributes practicing iai requires (and teaches) stamina, balance, coordination, an awareness of your surroundings, and focus. 

In line with many other martial arts, iai practitioners believe the way of the martial artist is to avoid conflict.  A martial artist who is taught and trains correctly should be able to spot and avoid conflict, or engage a problem before it becomes an issue. Finally, should a problem occur, iaido teaches practitioners to maintain a state of mind and body that offers an aggressor no opportunities for attack.  

Who are we?

 Leeds University Iaido club is a member of the British Kendo Association (BKA). The BKA was founded in 1964 as a non-profit making organisation to foster and develop the practice and spirit of Kendo, Iaido, and Jodo along traditional lines, with the objectives of: 

• Organising and regulating the Kendo movement on a national & international basis
• Helping to foster related martial arts
• Promoting Kendoka students to higher dan grades
• Representing the UK internationally

 
The BKA is the only organisation in the UK which is recognised for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo by the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) - the foremost body in Japan for these martial arts, the International Kendo Federation (IKF) and Sport England. It is also the only organisation in the UK which is empowered to award dan gradings (black belts) in Kendo, Iaido and Jodo recognised by these bodies.

 
How do we train?

Training is mostly in the form of kata. As iaido is a weapons-based art that teaches potentially deadly techniques, we do not do any free sparring. 

After learning the basics of how to hold and cut with a sword, beginners are taught the twelve ZNKR Seitei kata, a modern form of Iai, derived from the most popular of the old (Koryu) schools of Iai to provide a universal system for teaching, grading and competition.  Once students are comfortable with Seitei kata, they begin training in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu - a koryu system tracing its lineage back to the 16th Century. 

Members train with a wooden sword (bokken) before moving on to a blunt metal sword (iaito). Iaido is normally practiced wearing a hakama (baggy pleated trousers) and keiko gi (training jacket). An obi (sword belt) is worn under the hakama to hold the sword in place (and hold your hakama up!). There is no indication of grade in the costume. 

Beginners need no prior experience or equipment to start training with us. Please contact the committee if you have any questions. Please note that due to space constraints, we can currently only admit students or staff of Leeds University.  

Contact Us?

Club Email: mail [at] luuiaido.co.uk 

Club Captain- William Mayfield: mn07wm [at] leeds.ac.uk 

Treasurer- Michal Hajdusek: phymha [at] leeds.ac.uk 

Secretary- Mark Gunner: el09mg [at] leeds.ac.uk 

Website: www.luuiaido.co.uk 

Download Risk Assessment 2009/2010

Download Code of Good Practice 2009/2010

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