About Iaido/Batto Do
Gen Bu Kan Dojo
(At Aikido Of Westchester)

Batto Do, loosely translated, means the way of drawing and cutting with a sword in a single motion. This is the basic distinction between Batto Do and Kenjutsu, which are fighting techniques used after the sword is drawn. The terms Batto Do and Iaido are pretty much interchangeable. The distinction we draw here is Batto Do techniques are performed in a standing position, while traditional Iaido uses many techniques performed from seiza, or the kneeling position.
Iaido is one of the Japanese traditional Budo concerned with drawing the blade and cutting in the same motion. A typical form consists of the draw and cut, a finishing cut, cleaning the blade and returning it to the scabbard, all without looking away from the imaginary opponent.
Most practice is solo with shin-ken (a real blade). In contrast with Kendo, Iaido is performed without protective coverings of any kind. Students must strive to achieve power, precision and perfection in their form. Along the way they learn balance, grace, and control both of the body and the mind.
Iaido dealt more with everyday situation rather than those on the battlefield. The term "Iai" is taken from the Japanese phrase: "Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu". The meaning of this is, whatever we may be doing or wherever we may be, we must always be prepared from any eventually.
The techniques themselves dealt with many situations such as a sudden attack by several opponents, a surprise attack while bowing to someone, an enemy lying in wait behind a sliding door or an attack in a darkened room. The permutations (suppositions) were countless.
Iaido requires total concentration and intense awareness and the practice of the elegant movements of Iaido kata aid in the development of mental and physical discipline.