Outdoor and Rec Athletics 0117 - Iaido, Japanese Swordsmanship

Debated to be the most superbly engineered sword in the world, the katana spans into the modern day from deep roots in Japanese culture. Popularly recognized as the icon of samurai warriors as their primary weapon on the historical battlefield, Iaido reinvents the use of the sword as a means of practicing precision, refinement and manners inspired by more civilized settings. As a form-based martial art, Iaido is normally practiced without the presence of a physical opponent. Its principal function is the analysis, study and perfection of kata (forms), which consist of 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, which will lend to informed navigation and the learning of entire kata. (((This is an advancing course - continuing students will progress to more complicated material each semester.))) Instructor permission is required. Uniforms and equipment are provided by the instructor. Instructor permission is granted ONLY in-person during attendance within the add/drop period. (((No previous martial arts experience required.))) REQUESTS FOR EARLY ENROLLMENT PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS WILL NOT BE HONORED FOR HAMPSHIRE OR 5-COLLEGE STUDENTS. Class meets on the gymnasium floor near the climbing wall in the Robert Crown Center. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Accepted for CEL 1 Credit