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Iaido - "The way of the sword"

Iaido (Japanese for "way of the sword") is a martial art that does not aim to fight and defeat the opponent, but to achieve the highest possible concentration and body control and thus ultimately victory over oneself.

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Monday19:00 – 20:30All
Thursday18:15 – 19:00All

Prof. Dr med.
Karl Kiening

Dates for seminars organised by the Eishin Ryu Association can be found at http://eishin-ryu.de/.

Contact

Prof Dr Karl Kiening
E-mail address

Location

Auditorium of the 
Julius Springer School
Elsa-Brandström-Strasse 8
69126 Heidelberg

The art of Iaido originated in Japan in the 15th and 16th centuries and was practised in various schools and styles. Even today, people still practise the old traditional weapon exercises and forms, which the samurai practised without a partner in order to use them in duels once they had perfected them.

In Iaido, the Japanese way of sword drawing, the sword is drawn from a sitting and walking position. In addition to the cutting technique, body and eye posture, mental control and etiquette also play a role. This martial art requires concentration, body control and precise movements that train body awareness. It helps to counter stress and pain, regardless of age or fitness. Practitioners of other budo arts such as aikido, judo, kendo or kyudo also benefit from the training. The classic form of Iaido involves drawing, cutting, cleaning the blade and returning the sword to its sheath. Beginners first practise sword handling, Iaido forms, meditation and breathing techniques. The techniques are not based on strength, but on timing, distance, balance and mental attitude. Participants of all levels (beginners, returners and advanced) are welcome to join the training.

T-shirt and comfortable sports trousers. If you already have a judo/karate suit/hakama, you are welcome to put it on straight away. We provide wooden swords for beginners. You can of course use your own Iaito (unsharpened sword) or wooden swords (Bokken) and sheaths (Saya).

A list of all kata, examination regulations, etc. can be found at http://eishin-ryu.de/ .

The Offenburg group also offers a very well documented website about Iaido, the association, etc. https://www.iaidokai.de/ .

Peter Güthing, Iaido: Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship, Volume 1 (2013).

We are in the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu in Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei (in Japan) and its European branch (Eishin Ryu Europa Shibu): http://eishin-ryu.de/) integrated.

Further information:
Eishin Ryu Europa Shibu: http://eishin-ryu.de/
Iaido group in Karlsruhe: https://www.budoclubkarlsruhe.de/angebot/kursangebot/iaido/
Iaido group in Offenburg: https://www.iaidokai.de/
Wikipedia article "Musō Jikiden Eishin Ryū": https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musō_Jikiden_Eishin_Ryū/

In this dojo we practise Iaido as a spiritual path to inner growth and development through practice and experience. A dojo is not just a gym or a sports hall; it is a community of like-minded people and the result of many years of teaching and learning.

Iaido is more than just a martial art. It is a path to physical, mental and spiritual development that we can achieve when mind, body and soul are in harmony. We treat each other with respect and courtesy in order to create harmony within ourselves and with our partners. Etiquette is therefore an important part of the practice of Iaido.

In order to enjoy Iaido training, to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and for safety reasons, we ask you to observe the following rules of behaviour.

  • Study carefully, honestly and humbly. Respect your instructor and your seniors. Take care of and assist your juniors.
  • Emphasize etiquette in both yourself and those with whom you practice.
  • The class is started and finished with a formal bow towards O-Sensei and the instructor.
  • If you are late for class, bow in alone, after the instructor gives you permission to enter the tatami.
  • Practice in a safe manner and respect the level of experience of your training partner.
  • For personal safety and to protect others, remove jewelry and piercings before training.
  • Observe personal hygiene before you step on the mat and practice with a clean Gi.
  • If you are cut, leave the mat and dress your wound before resuming training.
  • The lessons are reserved for the practice of Iaido.

In addition, anyone practicing in the dojo has to adhere to the following rules:

  • Observe regulations that relate to the use of the dojo, such as legal regulations or the rules of our landlord.
  • Do not be uncooperative with your partner.
  • Students thought to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted in the dojo.
  • The use of bad language is not permitted in the dojo.
  • Harassment, bullying or aggressive behaviour are not tolerated.
  • Do not use Iaido techniques unethically and/or illegally inside or outside the dojo.
  • Do not to bring our dojo into disrepute through your words or actions.

If you fail to adhere to these basic rules repeatedly, we may ask you to leave class or the dojo.

We use the "Klubraum" chat app to facilitate in-group communication. Would you like to join? Just send us an email.

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