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Brief history


In feudal Japan, Iai-jutsu comprehended/combined the most efficient techniques in the art of drawing the sword and neutralising an opponent whenever he showed a warlike intention.

Tradition gives credit to HAYASHIZAKI JINSUKE MINAMOTO NO SHIGENOBU (1549-1622) for gradually transforming Iai-jutsu in a less agressive approach of swordmanship, focusing on intuitive knowledge and spiritual dimension.

The 7th Soke (Great Master, depositary of the tradition) HASEGAWA CHIKARANOSUKE EÏSHIN made a synthesis of these different techniques by the year 1700.

He would also be at the origin of wearing the katana in the obi (the belt) with the edge upwards, enabling the practitioner to cut in the continuation of the drawing, thus saving him some precious time when facing an opponent.

Muso Jikiden Eïshin school perpetuates a tradition more than four hundred years old. Its art is based on concentration, accuracy, soberness and economy of movements. Movements are fluid and natural. Through a rigorous training, each technique is completely stripped from all non realistic content, to get rid of any weakness in the defence when facing an opponent. From a warlike perspective, iaido has evolved to an elegant martial art, whose peaceful spirit can be found in the Muso Jikiden Eïshin school tradition, according to which : "The best sword is the one that doesn’t leave its sheath " ("Saya no uchi").

 
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