Iaido vs. Iaijutsu

**Alison2805** · 13th December 2006 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by ManyRoses

In response to your origional question, The difference is huge. I may not be an expert on many things involving the art, I am an expert with names.

Iaijutsu is a killing art. That is simple. It was created as soon as japanese ken began being forged with curvature, as a way to quickly take down your opponent on the battlefield. It evolved from bottojutsu, which taught not only Iai, but how to fight many enemies at once. It was the first to teach 'no mind' principles. It was the origional focus of Katori shinto Ryu. Battojutsu (Iaijutsu) was an evolution of the origional tachi-do of the cavalry warriors before 1100 to the kodachi bujutsu of 1300-1600, which is debatable. Iaijutsu is a straight line from this aincent art. With the kodachi came the first drawing motion, from which we get the term Iai- from a 'sitting [kneeling]' position, roughly with respect to the old dialect.

Iaido, however is a newer art. Although Iaijutsu is no longer considered a 'killing art', it's koryu were created and evolved as such. Iaido is a truly meditative art, which came about after the advent of the meiji era in japan, to once again legalize the use of the shinken in martial study. In this respect, it was created to 'restore the noble status of the warrior' in post-feudal japan.

all of the above are according to the books I've read and the people who I personally have spoken to about the subject. It is all somewhat debatable, so I tried to stick as much to the basic historical information as I could. I am glad that you posted this and hope that I answered you question somewhat satisfactoraly.

ahh yes, as someone who doesnt do iai at all, you are well qualified to correct these guys.

Carry on.

**fifthchamber** · 13th December 2006 02:24 PM

Manyroses,
I would honestly suggest (And I'm not trying to offend) that you become a "full time student" and a "part time deshi"....The one may well be paying off but your history and understanding of it is rather lacking..
What is "tachi-do" or "kodachi bujutsu" you refer too? Are these terms used in any books anywhere, and if so what are your sources? Is "bottojutsu" (sic) a term that you have an understanding of? And why do you mention the Shinto Ryu having an "original focus" in this? Shinto Ryu was first and foremost a Kenjutsu Ryuha, Iaijutsu is just one of several additional segments, albeit one that has since become more central in the curriculum of the school.
Do you speak Japanese? If so, where did the reference to "Iai" meaning "sitting position" come from? Even in old "Dialect" (Not sure what that is precisely either..) "Iai" means "Being in place" and is quite distinct from "suwaru" meaning to "sit".
Lastly, why is that if "battojutsu" means the fighting against more than one enemy, does my school have kata that emphasize a single enemy in our Battojutsu? And why does modern Iaido (Zen Iaido Renmei) feature the kata "shiho giri" or "four directions cutting" if it is only against one imagined enemy?
Lot's of questions arise from your post..Any answers would be interesting to read.
Regards.