Iaido: The Art of the Quiet Cut
Iaido is much more than a simple technique for handling the Japanese sword. It is a discipline deeply rooted in Japanese tradition that embraces inner peace, grace, and self-control.
Of Japanese origin, but spread across five continents, iaido is a martial art centered on the action of drawing the sword and striking in a single gesture. Although combat and war are the technical foundations of this art, the samurai integrated philosophical dimensions advocating life and peace. Indeed, the term iaido is formed by the three kanjis: i=to be (居) ai=harmony (合) do=way (道). Which means the way to live in harmony.

Origins of Iaido
Iaido has its roots in feudal Japan, where samurai had to prepare mentally and physically to face adversity at any time. This martial art focuses on the immediate reaction to an attack, not the initiation of the attack itself. Its essence lies in mental preparation, concentration and the ability to instantly react to a threat.

The Way of Tranquility
At the heart of Iaido is the concept of "Zanshin", which means constant awareness and alertness. The Iaidoka, or Iaido practitioner, learns to remain calm and attentive even in the most stressful situations. This peace of mind allows him to act with precision and efficiency, thus minimizing the risk of injury.

Techniques and Movements
Iaido is characterized by sequences of fluid movements, called "katas", which simulate real combat situations. The katas consist of a series of precise gestures, going from drawing the sword to cutting, then to sheathing, all in rapid and harmonious succession. Each kata is performed with extreme precision and elegance, highlighting the beauty of form and grace of movement.

The Japanese Sword: Katana
The katana is the main tool of Iaidoka. It is more than just a weapon, it is an extension of the practitioner's mind. The katana is made with meticulous attention to detail, and its razor-sharp blade is renowned for its precision and cutting quality. Care in maintaining the katana is also an important part of Iaido practice.

Iaido Today
Although Iaido has deep roots in Japanese history, it continues to evolve and thrive today. Many dojos around the world teach this discipline to those seeking a spiritual and physical path. Iaido offers an opportunity to develop concentration, discipline, and self-confidence.

Iaido in Tunisia: "it's off to a good start": The second week of October 2019 in Tunis, the Ken no Michi iaido section club experienced an important sporting event. Indeed, following the invitation addressed by sensei Kais Mejri (4th Dan aikido and 1st Dan karate) in his name and in the name of the entire Tunisaikido-kennomichi team, to sensei Robert Rodriguez, an international iaido course took place. Sensei Robert Rodriguez is Kyoshi 7th Dan iaido, Renshi 6th Dan jodo and is Chumokuroku of the Suiō-ryū school. He accepted with joy and without hesitation this invitation from passionate Tunisians.

This course not only took on an international dimension by the presence of our Libyan friends and participants with dual nationality, but also was marked by the presence and participation of sensei Ahmed Nouisser (president of the Tunisian league of Kendo). According to sensei Robert Rodriguez, iaido in Tunisia is off to a good start. Indeed, a good number of participants in the course have some knowledge of iaido ; the members of the Ken no Michi club have been practicing for a year, and the 12 ZenKenRen iai katas (formerly called seitei iai) are, schematically, more or less correctly executed.

The stone brought by sensei Robert Rodriguez to this building is of great technical, educational and stylistic value. He made sure to teach us the ZNKR standards carefully, emphasizing the new updates published in 2018 and cited in the related manual. When the practitioners perform the different katas, he makes postural adjustments one by one, he shows and demonstrates the angles to be taken by each part of the body and the sword, he goes back and forth between the requirements of the standards of ZenKenRen iai and practices in the koryu. In addition, the participants were impatient to discover more about this Japanese art, and did not hesitate to ask the questions that came to mind. And the sensei indulged in this exercise openly.

At the end of the course, we found ourselves equipped with the essential tools for good mastery of iaido and in particular according to the ZenKenRen iai standards. Without doubt, we are called to work assiduously and to make great practical efforts to fully absorb what we have learned physically and intellectually and thus each one develops his or her iai.