The quite serious-sounding topic is actually a summary of the most common difficulties I have observed in learning Iaido.
Some people are highly interested in Iaido. They would buy the uniform, the sword and scabbard, this and that - all the basic equipment they need at first.
However, once classes start, they begin to realize that the difficulty in learning iaido stems not from lack of equipment nor from the heaviness of the sword but from the inability to kneel or to sustain the kneeling position for too long.
Kneeling refers to “seiza” (proper sitting) in Japanese.
Iaido beginners of the ALL Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF, Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei or ZNKR) start out by learning the twelve Seitei iaido forms (seitei-gata). The initial four forms require sitting in seiza-style, and all beginners follow a sequence in learning these forms.
Reviewing these forms carefully, the techniques for the first to the fourth form all begin with sitting in seiza-style.
Some beginners are not adapted to sit in seiza-style; sitting in this posture for even just a little while causes numb feet, which leads to an inability to stand up or to move the feet when drawing the sword from the scabbard.
(On the screen: In order to be able to keep the upper torso erect, the person leans forward due to numb feet. The right hand that is supposed to draw the sword naturally touches the floor for support. If the left hand fails to hold back the edge of the sword, the sword may slide forward at the moment of leaning forward. This situation can be very dangerous. The action looks a bit like orz.)
A particularly troublesome situation arises when a student who has been taking iaido for several months already is still unable to sit in seiza-style for long. The student will be of two minds as to whether to continue or not, because by this time he has already made a major investment in purchasing the iaido equipment.
Practicing sitting in seiza-style regularly is one way to overcome the problem. Also, some students find it helpful to do some stretches before sitting.
However, there are those who claim to have “too-stiff bodies,” and for them the problem may persist for a longer time.
In my view, sitting in seiza-style is one of the biggest challenges for iaido beginners. Of course, I have also met many students who do not have any such problems, even at the start of learning. It is difficult to pre-detect this problem, as it usually takes a while for someone to realize that this is going to be a major challenge for him. Even with the help of knee pads, there are those who are unable to conquer this difficulty.
Those who are interested in learning iaido can practice sitting in seiza-style at home to see how it goes. A simple test can serve to give a preliminary assessment.
Note 1: Are there any schools teaching techniques comprised of standing positions only?
Note 2: Kiza in Japanese refers to a specific movement in Kyūdō (the Japanese art of archery). In this article, the general concept of “seiza” is to be understood unless there is a specific note indicating that “seizas” means otherwise.
Lynn Fang (Translator)