Hello, I got my first Iaito this weekend I am so excited! It should really help with my techniques. However, it is also quite an adjustment performing waza with the Iaito, almost to the point of relearning them. The differences between a bokken and a Iaito are quite apparent now. All of which I assume is a normal progression for Iaijutsu/Iaido?
Quote: Very much so. Iai is a whole different ball of wax with an iaito. The transition from iaito to shinken has a very similar period of adjustment.
really.. I'm yet to adjust to shinken and am far from it, but what would the the difference? Or is it something I would need to experience for myself and cant really be explained?
Registered: 06/14/04
Posts: 2502
Loc: Denton, Tx, USA
Quote:
Quote: what would the the difference .., is it something ... cant really be explained?
Nah, it's easy, really. When you make certain errors, you start bleeding.
RN "so don't make errors"
It's not quite that simple. In addition to bloodloss letting you know about big problems, a live blade can let you know about all kinds of relatively minor problems.
An example: There are some alignment issues between the blade and the saya. A sharp blade will dig into the wood of the saya if the edge comes into contact with the wood for even a moment. That creates extra drag during nukitsuke and noto which is easy to detect. The edge of an iaito will just slide along the wood without digging in, and that can be very difficult to detect.
Then there's the phsychological aspect of a blade which can not only cut your finger, but cripple you for life if you were to sever the wrong tendons. That tends to change your technique. Not always for the better.
Steel seems to behave a little differently from the alloys. Its a subtle distinction, but it's there. That affects your technique as well.
Shinken also tend to be a little heavier. Not a lot, but a little bit, and that makes a difference particularly at points where fine control is necessary, like the moment when the kissaki is fed into the koiguchi during noto.
It's mostly little stuff that adds up to a very tangible difference in feel.
Edited by Charles Mahan (02/08/0701:54 PM)
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Registered: 08/24/05
Posts: 992
Loc: upstate New York
In addition there is the thing about courtesy and responsibility. There are some dojo where you may use a shinken only with the sensei's permission. And when attending a seminar you are obliged to let not only the host instructor know, but also your neighbors on the floor, that you have a live blade.
Registered: 06/14/04
Posts: 2502
Loc: Denton, Tx, USA
Quote: In addition there is the thing about courtesy and responsibility. There are some dojo where you may use a shinken only with the sensei's permission. And when attending a seminar you are obliged to let not only the host instructor know, but also your neighbors on the floor, that you have a live blade.
I tend to think that you'd better bloody well get your instructor's permission to use a shinken in any dojo. Letting host instructors and your neighbors know you are using a shinken goes beyond common courtesy and is definitely a very serious safety issue.
_________________________
Iaido -
Breaking down bad habits,
and building new ones.
I don't know the exact material it is made out of. It is a CAS/Iberia Practical Iaito and I have my first lesson with it this weekend so I will ask. Also Mr. Mahan what does "saya-biki" mean? I know what saya means however that is a new phrase. Thanks for the encourgement and advice everyone.
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