Welcome to New York Budokai. At this dojo (school) we study iaido (居合道 pronounced e-i-do). Popularly known as "the art of drawing the sword". These teachings have evolved from the warrior class know as samurai. Developed by Hayashizake Jinsuke Shigenobu in the late 16th Century after Japan was unified under the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The basic principal involves controlled, precise movements of drawing the sword from it’s scabbard (saya), striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade (chuburi), and then replacing the sword in the scabbard (noto).
Iaido teaches the use of actual metal weaponry, these techniques are real (this is not a sport). These techniques are taught through forms (kata). We also have partner practice or sparring (kumadachi), where we use wooden swords (bokken). All students use an unsharpened sword (iaito) for safety reasons. We also practice cutting bamboo mats (tameshigiri), for this we use real sharpened swords (shinken) under very close supervision.
$20 INTRO CLASS
Thinking about joining? Come and train with us for $20. No experience required. No equipment needed. We will supply you with a practice iaito (sword) and a bokken (wooden practice sword). All you need to bring is yourself and some gym clothes. If you just want to observe a class, you can do so on the first Tuesday of every month. Sign me up.
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