3 Basic Katana Trainings that Beginners Can Do at Home | Taught by a Japanese Iaido Trainee

Let's ask Shogo | Your Japanese friend in Kyoto・2 minutes read

Shogo, Kazu, and Tomoko explore practicing Yaido techniques at home due to limited dojos, emphasizing the significance of proper hand control, sheathing techniques, and advanced moves like "uchitiri" and "nukitsuke." The group focuses on executing precise and controlled movements with the katana, emphasizing the importance of patience and relaxation in mastering the art.

Insights

  • Proper sword technique in Yaido involves using both hands, with the left for power and the right for control, emphasizing the balance of strength and precision.
  • Attention to detail is crucial in Yaido training, from smoothly sheathing the katana to mastering advanced techniques like "uchitiri" and "nukitsuke," highlighting the significance of patience and precision to avoid damaging the sword.

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Recent questions

  • How is the katana drawn and shot?

    With both hands, left for power, right for direction.

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Summary

00:00

"Mastering Yaido: Techniques, Styles, and Gear"

  • Drawing and shooting the sword involves using both hands, with the left hand providing power and the right hand controlling direction.
  • Shogo, Kazu, and Tomoko discuss starting Yaido training at home due to lack of nearby dojos.
  • Shogo teaches basic Yaido techniques with permission from his instructor.
  • Shogo emphasizes the importance of different Yaido styles and provides a link for purchasing training gear.
  • The first training involves drawing and sheathing the katana smoothly, focusing on controlling both hands.
  • Proper sheathing involves fully covering the Scabbard entrance to guide the katana smoothly.
  • Shogo highlights the importance of minimizing sound when sheathing and unsheathing the katana.
  • Kazu and Tomoko demonstrate drawing and sheathing techniques, with Tomoko needing practice aligning the katana and Scabbard.
  • Kazu demonstrates a more advanced technique called "uchitiri" involving flicking and dropping the katana.
  • Shogo explains and demonstrates the "uchitiri" technique, emphasizing the cool factor and simplicity of the movement.

15:35

Katana Swinging Techniques for Precision and Control

  • Practice swinging the katana inside the house, even with low ceilings, by kneeling or adjusting height.
  • Hold the katana handle properly by squeezing it with both arms, not from the side.
  • Swing the katana with power in the left hand and control in the right hand to maintain a straight line.
  • Practice swinging the katana slowly at first, ensuring it makes a sound to indicate a straight line.
  • Learn the "kesagiri" technique, cutting from the enemy's shoulder down to the waist.
  • Practice swinging the katana with angles, focusing on maintaining a straight line by stretching arms.
  • Demonstrate swinging techniques to students, emphasizing relaxation and control in swinging.
  • Teach advanced techniques like "nukitsuke," drawing and attacking simultaneously, with a flick of the wrist.
  • Emphasize the importance of not rushing in practicing drawing and sheathing the katana to avoid damaging it.
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