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

Iaido is an activity course of the Budo Arts Program - OPRA's martial arts division at Hampshire College. Budo, meaning the lifestyle of incorporating "warrior" philosophies and values to one's path of internal development. Practicing budo requires the study of related fields such as, but not limited to, history, etiquette, language, art, and spirituality. Students will complete brief research assignments, study literary resources, and attend lectures and media screenings to complement the primary physical content of the course. Budo Arts classes and clubs utilize a social communication app called Discord. FREE access to the full app on computer desktop and smartphone versions will be required. Lab fees support various dojo (training school) affiliations to national governing organizations or cover purchases of specific required personal equipment where indicated. THIS CLASS IS INTENDED MAINTLY FOR STUDENTS FOR WHO HAVE COMPLETED OPRA #0112: BUKI WOODEN INSTRUMENTS. Although our practices can be energetic, we do not train for the motivation of western fitness. Secondarily, Iaido practice IS NOT taught through the scope of combat skill development. We do not endorse the application of this activity as "play" with others nor is it a viable method of becoming adept at "swordplay" or "weapon" use at the beginner level. Iaido is the art of drawing and cutting [in the air] with the Japanese sword. Using rituals of movement called KATA, a practitioner trains to react to an imaginary opponent. All of iaido's kata have the practitioner begin their response with the sword sheathed as opposed to other sword practices where it is already drawn. Students new to Iaido practice use a dull metal training sword called, "iaito". Sword equipment in other arts require them to be substituted for wooden or bamboo swords as they would easily harm their live partner from contact in engagements during matches and competitions. Iaido engages in no such types of matches as the spiritual attitude of the art is to observe etiquette and refine the condition of the self by cutting our inward opponents and removing excess of unconstructive qualities. Students will experience the full spread of manners, etiquette, and alertness required to pilot the iaito. Student uniforms and iaito equipment are required for participation in the course and are provided by the department at no cost, (conditional on their pristine return). Introductory iaido kata consists of traversing over the floor in kneeling positions called SUWARI WAZA. Purchase of knee pads is required for training. A $55.00 lab fee is to be submitted upon commitment to the class for purchasing of suitable knee pads by the instructor. Attend nourished, hydrated, and prepared in a functional sense of clothing that allows for full freedom of movement. A "close" or "form-fitting" underlayer that keeps the student decent is best for wearing during the uniform sizing process. Class meets on the 2nd Floor of the Robert Crown Center in the South Lounge Dojo. Contact Samuel Kanner at sikOP@hampshire.edu with any questions. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

MEETS ONLY Oct. 25 - Dec 8th Lab Fee: $55.00