Rai Un Kai - Iaido and Jodo

otions with only centimetres of tolerance and split second timing. It is also an individual art that involves the student and the sword struggling to achieve perfection of form. Beyond this physical aspect, Iaido is also "budo" - a philosophically oriented Japanese "martial way". The name “Iaido” itself is composed of three ideograms: “I”, “AI” and “DO”. “I” means to “reside” or “be” in a certain place; “AI” means “harmony”; and “DO” means “road” or “path”. Hence, “Iaido” means the path to finding harmony in any situation in which one finds oneself – to be prepared for any eventuality. Overcoming hardships, meeting challenges with strength of spirit and integrity, are part of the path (do) inherent in Iaido. Iaido is a very old traditional martial art. Etiquette, Japanese culture and history are all important aspects of Iaido taught at Rai Un Kai. In addition to Iaido, Rai Un Kai teaches the traditional Japanese martial art of Jodo. Jodo is the art of the 4 foot staff, used against an opponent armed with a sword. Jodo provides excellent counter-point to Iaido, giving the student a tangible opponent, with an imminent threat to deal with.