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The Japanese characters (kanji) for Aikidō (left) and Iaidō (right).
Aikidō: ai = harmony; ki = spirit, universal energy; dō = way, path. Iaidō: i(ru) = to be, exist, or sit; ai = harmony; dō = way, path. |
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Aikidō (合氣道) is a modern, non-violent Japanese martial art. Its emphasis is on blending with an attack and disrupting it "from within", using the attacker's own energy and momentum against him/her, rather than clashing head-on. Ideally, Aikidō techniques bring an attack to a close with no harm done to either party. Because raw physical strength is not a requirement (and, indeed, can be something of an impediment when you're trying to learn to be "soft"!), Aikidō is ideal for people of all ages, genders and body types. To the observer, Aikidō movements make great use of circular and spiral motions; techniques typically conclude with a joint lock (pin) or a throw (projection); strikes are used only as auxiliary devices to disrupt an attacker's balance and facilitate the execution of technique.
I began my study of Aikidō in 2000, when I joined the University of Warwick Aikido Club under the tutelage of David Cope Sensei. In time, his teacher, Chris Mooney Sensei of the Ei Mei Kan dojo in Northfield, Birmingham, took over the class, and I now train under Mooney Sensei both at Warwick and at Ei Mei Kan. During my year away, I trained under Robert Zimmermann Sensei of Toronto Aikikai. I offer my gratitude to all three, as well as the many teachers at seminars and camps that I have attended.
Iaidō (居合道) is the portion of the art of Japanese swordsmanship concerned with the drawing of the blade to respond to an immediate threat, the execution of the cut, the (ceremonial) removal of the blood from the blade, and the return of the blade to its scabbard. In the ideal form, these movements are executed both quickly and smoothly. Practice is conducted through solo repetition of set forms, or kata, and is characterized by a painstaking attention to detail. Iaidō is separate from, but complementary to, the study of Aikidō.
I began my study of Iaidō in 2004, shortly before leaving the UK for Toronto, Canada. I learned most of my Iaidō from Robert Zimmermann Sensei, although I continue my study here in the UK. I find that Iaidō is a powerful complement to Aikidō in terms of developing clarity of movement and awareness.