Outdoor and Rec Athletics 0117 - Iaido, Swordsmanship

Iaido, The Art of the Japanese Sword: Debated to be the most superbly engineered sword in the world, the Japanese katana has deep roots in far Eastern culture. Popularly recognized as the icon of samurai warriors and their weapon of choice, Iaido takes the art of swordsmanship away from the practice of destroying an opponent and closer towards the act of collecting and improving one's self. As exciting and glamourous as it is to draw and cut with a sword, can it be cared for and re-sheathed with the same level of skill? As a form-based martial art, Iaido fundamentally consists four primary coordinations: 1.Nukitsuke, drawing cut; 2.Kiritsuke. finishing cut; 3. Chiburi, cleansing the blade; and 4. Noto, returning the sword to the scabbard. Students will begin by studying these basics and then practicing the prescribed order of kata (forms) to see how the function of them vary from one situation to another. These kata are solo in nature and will not involve paired exercises. Instructor permission required for the availability of equipment and uniforms as they will be provided ONLY for those registered. Instructor permission is granted by the presence of the student at the first few meetings within the add/drop period. Requests or advanced notices via email or otherwise will not be honored. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

May be used for CEL 1 requirement.