Iaido is the art of drawing the sword and striking a killing blow. Iaido is practiced using a live or practice Japanese sword. Through Iaido training we attempt to understand the use of the weapon while simultaneously stimulating and stretching our body. Because of its gracefulness, Iaido is often referred to as moving zen.

At Wishaw Aikikai we practice Iaido primarily to augment and improve our understanding of Aikido, not as an end in itself. Iaido classes are scheduled every second Sunday.

Weapons training sessions are held on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. During weapons class we primarily utilize the wooden sword (bokken), the staff (jo), the knife (tanto) and short sword (wakazashi).

Through the study of basic forms and partner practice we attempt to further understand the art of Aikido and particularly the study of timing and distance.