Outdoor and Rec Athletics 0117 - Martial Arts: Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship)

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. Debated to be the most superbly engineered sword in the world, the katana perseveres in modern times with deep roots in Japanese history. As one of the most popular icons of samurai warriors in medieval battlefields, Iaido today reinvents the use of the sword and turns its power inwards as a method of personal refinement, curating manners, and diminishment of the ego. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. As a strictly form-based martial art, Iaido is traditionally practiced with no physical opponents. Its principal function is to analyze, study, and replicate kata (forms), which consist of four primary coordinations: 1. Nukitsuke, the drawing cut directly from the scabbard; 2. Kiritsuke, the finishing cut; 3. Chiburi, the shaking of the blade clean; and 4. Noto, returning the sword inside the scabbard. Beginning students will start by learning these fundamentals and eventually employ them in the school's introductory set of 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. REQUESTS FOR EARLY ENROLLMENT BY EITHER HAMPSHIRE OR 5-COLLEGE STUDENTS PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS WILL NOT BE HONORED. Class meets in the South Lounge on the 2nd floor of the Robert Crown Center. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail. Knee pad purchase: REQUIRED - Product information: TBA Accepted for CEL 1&2 credit.

Knee pad purchase: REQUIRED - Product information: TBA Accepted for CEL 1&2 credit.