IAIDO or IAI JUTSU according to whether one seeks fluidity, aesthetics and self-esteem, or more accuracy and martial efficiency, is art of the Japanese sword, major discipline of the samurai of the past: the art of unsheathing the sword and cut at the same instant.
Art of spontaneous and natural gesture, it is a discipline that is practiced alone, face to oneself, in the form of kata (codified movements).
Around the practice of the samurai sword were two types of complementary koryu (old schools), ken-jutsu or saber-handling techniques, and iai-jutsu, techniques of slicing by unsheathing.
The iai was codified at the end of the 16th century by Hayashizaki Jinsuke, and quickly spread through traditional schools.
Suimokai is an organization dedicated to the study and dissemination of traditional Japanese martial arts, especially the Mugairyu Meishi Branch (iai, kenjutsu, kumitachi, Shizan), Shindomusoryu Jo and Uchidaryu / Toseiryu Tanjo.
The chief instructor of Suimokai is the founder of the Meishi Branch, Gyokudo Toyoaki Niina. He was a student of Hosho Shiokawa, himself a student of Shiryu Nakagawa.
Niina-gosoke is Hanshi, Menkyo-kaiden in Mugairyu Iaihyodo, Shindomusoryu Jodo and Uchidaryu Tanjojutsu.
Their practice is effective techniques by katas solo, partner practice by kumitachi, and the trial cut, both long and short sword.
Kyoto Hokenkai belongs to the Japan Kendo Federation and the Kyoto Kendo Federation.
The members of this club practice mainly what is called the Seitei Iai composed of 12 kata, and at the same time the traditional Koryu Ia of the school Musô Jikiden Eishinryu gathering about 50 kata.
This is a large club that practices in a dozen dojo including the Kyoto Budo Center, at the famous Butokuden dojo, three times a week: