Iaido Cutting Techniques

Iaido cuts are a prearranged set of motions, like an Iaido kata or waza, and are done usually with the bokken or practice blade. However, some advanced students may use a shinken (real sword) but this is not advised given the danger of accidents.

The majority of these Iaido cutting techniques start off in an attack stance. Nevertheless, they may also start with a block or less commonly, a sheathed position.

Iaido - Basic Cuts

• Ichimonji-Giri – Horizontal cut
• Joho-Giri – Diagonal upward cut
• Kesa-Giri – Diagonal downward cut
• Morote-Tsuki – Forward thrust
• Nuki-Uchi - Draw & cut
• Sanpo-Giri - Three direction cut
• Shi-Ho-Giri - Four direction cut
• Soete-Tsuki - Companion hand thrust
• Suichyoku-Giri – Vertical downward cut

References

1. Japanese Swordsmanship Society, About Iaido, http://ny-jss.org/iaido/about/, Added - 12/26/14
2. Kaze No Kai, Iaido, http://www.kazenokaiiaido.com/home/iaido, Added - 12/26/14