Big in Japan: Iaid? is the world's most bad-ass martial art!

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2-07-2008 @ 11:34AM

Takeo said...

This is a total misrepresentation of the art.

Iaido does stress the things you mention above, but what you left out was one very important point:

These moves are executed against an IMAGINARY opponent!

Under no circumstances would you use this against another sword-wielding opponent in a sparring match (that's called "combat").

Somewhere after the Meji Restoration swordsmanship was split into two parts: The sparring part was given to the art that uses bamboo "swords" and armor, called Kendo, the imaginary drawing and striking part was given to Iaido. This was the only way for the art to survive in the face of both a peaceful modern age and a modern army with bayonets and firearms.

This treatment of a martial art (bad-ass as you say) is a typical case of unnecessary fanboyism. Articles like this do a monumental disservice to people who are doing their best to keep a life steeped in "the way of the sword" alive in a modern age.

Do us a favor and stick to travel.

4-26-2008 @ 9:59AM

Nate said...

Although this comment may serve slightly inaccurate to an academic such as yourself, these types of "fanboyism" articles do wonders to entice new people into the art. As with anything, first starts the idealistic nature followed, in contrast, by the realities. I think these types of articles are necessary for attracting new followers of the art.

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