Iaidō (居合道), abbreviated iai (居合), is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks.

The term iaidō first appeared in 1932 and is composed of the kanji 居 (i), 合 (ai), and 道 (dō). The origin of iai (居合) is believed to come from the phrase tsune ni ite, kyū ni awasu (常に居て、急に合わす), which may be loosely translated as “to be constantly present and to meet the situation immediately.”

Accordingly, the primary emphasis of iai lies in the psychological state of presence and awareness (居). The secondary emphasis concerns drawing the sword and responding by harmonising with a sudden attack as efficiently and naturally as possible (合).

The final character, 道 (dō), is commonly translated as “the way” or “the path.” Taken together, iaidō may be understood as “the way of mental presence and immediate response.”

Zen Nippon Kendō Renmei Iaidō is the iaidō system established by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF, also known as Zen Nippon Kendō Renmei or ZNKR).

At Tanryoku, we offer training in ZNKR Iaido

Source: Wikipedia