Master of the Sword, Not the English

 Sueyoshi Akeshi: Jo, Bokken, Sword DVD

He’s the quickest draw in the East or the West. Sueyoshi Akeshi struggles with his English, but his point is clear: No one has faster iaido techniques. If he were in a duel with a Japanese samurai, Akeshi would unsheathe his katana, dispatch his opponent, and have time for a coffee break before his foe even touched the hilt of his sword.

Akeshi, a Buddhist monk and baseball fan, packs the 60-minute “Jo – Bokken – Sword” Masterclass Samurai Arts DVD full of information, so he does not spend a lot of time on each lesson. You’ll miss the chapter on footwork if you blink. Sensei Akeshi obviously assumes you know how to move forward in zenkutsu dachi from previous martial arts practice, yet his style is unique: Just keep both feet at a 45-degree angle and lean forward.

Akeshi wisely demonstrates techniques with a jo (short staff) before moving on to iaido practice with a live blade. Don’t be fooled, though, even these “basic” techniques can cause injury when performed by a novice. The second exercise with the jo, for example, involves swinging the full length of the staff overhead and can cause a severe headache if done incorrectly.

His nami giri (diagonal cut) is probably not what you were taught in iaido class, but it makes sense. Even aikido teaches you not to move the sword more than necessary. His sakate noto (resheathing) seems to be the exception to that rule. The technique is almost flamboyant and borderline irreverent by traditional iaido standards.

This instructional DVD will not help you to master iaido overnight, but the techniques are good practice. Just put on a helmet before doing exercise number two with your jo.

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