Beginner students in Iaido use a bokken — a wooden sword that simulates the use of a real one without the risk of injury. A steel fighting sword is called an Iaito. What is the workout?

Iaido, the Japanese martial art of drawing and cutting with a sword, is more than just a disciplined practice.It’s a pathway to mindfulness, precision, and a deep connection to historical ...

'The essence of iaido is drawing the sword and blocking in one motion, defeating your opponents and then replacing the sword afterwards,' says instructor Jim Wilson.

A samurai version of the Old West quick-draw, called iaido, is thriving in the Bay Area The martial art little known outside Japan deals with drawing a sword so skillfully, your opponent is doomed.

Kazuhiza Kaneda, a national Iaido champion in Japan, taught a two-day seminar at Boise State University over the weekend, hosted by the university’s Kendo club.