Toho-Iaido
Swordsmanship
is the premier martial art of Japan. Over 1,000 years of research, study, and
refinement have been dedicated to this complex and esoteric form of combat.
Generations of swordsmen devoted their lives to the exploration of every
possible application of the Japanese sword. Not satisfied with mere variations
in technique, the old masters of Japan also examined the strategy and philosophy
of the sword in an unending quest for
knowledge.
Fascination
with the Japanese sword continues to this day.
In
our training, we study the use of the long sword (katana), the short
“companion” sword (wakizashi), and other weapons of the samurai,
including the four-foot staff (jo), six-foot staff (bo) and
halberd (naginata). The curriculum focuses on paired practice with wooden
swords (bokuto) and other weapons, as well as solo practice of forms and
test-cutting (tameshigiri) with live blades (shinken).
Students must acquire a Japanese sword, approved for use in class by the chief instructor, in order to participate in this training. Fortunately, there are now a wide variety of sources for proper katana of modern manufacture, some of which are modestly priced but authentic in design and entirely acceptable for use in training. We can assist in choosing an appropriate sword — we recommend contacting Mr. Carmen Altomonte, a long-time member of the dojo who deals in antique and high-quality, reproduction Japanese swords, at www.swordsmanandarcher.com.
Specific uniform and equipment requirements exist, as well — ordering information and assistance are provided routinely to new students.
The
practice of swordsmanship is appropriate as an adjunct to aikido training, or as
a stand-alone study in its own right, and is particularly suited to those
students seeking the depth and sophistication of weapons arts, students who are
ready to pursue precise, demanding and intellectually challenging training.
Persons
interested in the study of swordsmanship should understand that expectations of
students are high, particularly with regard to the amount of practice that must
be accomplished on one’s own time outside the dojo. The expense of training is
also considerably greater than is the case for aikido, due to the cost of uniforms and equipment.
Toho-iaido
practices are held Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and the class is preceded by a one-hour,
“open-mat” period, during which students can practice on their own or
receive individual assistance and instruction.
Persons applying to train in swordsmanship must be aged 16 years or older.