It worked because it made Iai change from a 'technique' to a 'way' of life. The name was changed in order to allow the people of Japan to continue practicing. This is when the name was changed from 'Iaijutsu' to 'Iaido'. Then, after the two World Wars, Japan was occupied by the American Government, who passed many laws, one of which was a law outlawing most marital arts. Zen is very spiritual and peaceful, and these aspects became somewhat mixed with Iaido, making it less about killing, and more about the improvement of oneself through improving mind, spirit, and body. Another significant change came when Zen was introduced the the Japanese culture. During this time period, guns were introduced, making the sword much less popular. Iaido began during the feudal age, and continued for many years, until the Meiji Restoration. This is because samurai lived and died by their kata, and if they did not know everything as well as they could, they would likely die, instead of live.

The kata are also very complex while seeming very simple, and one needs time, concentration, and effort to master them. However, all the motions are meant to be as efficient as possible, with no extraneous movement at all. Each kata has several 'motions' in it, which begin with drawing the sword, cutting, and returning the sword to the saya, with many variations in between. There are many kata, and masters of Iaido would know exactly how to react in any situation. Each kata has a specific 'story' behind it, which details the number, placement, position, and weapons of the opponents. Iaido is based off of detailed choreographed movements for specific situations called 'kata'. Iaido is more efficient for small scale combat, and gave the samurai the advantage in these situation. They very rarely fought in large scale battles or wars, but fought more often in small scale combat, ranging from one on one to small groups of people. Samurai were generally under the rule of a lord, or daimyo, and led their lives by the code of bushido. This style was mainly used by samurai because it was more efficient for them.

There are many legends about the creation of Iaido, but many say that Kayashizaki Minamoto Jinsuky Shigenobu was diviniely inspired to create this style to avenge his father. The 'Jutsu' part of the word means technique, while 'do' in Iaido, means way. 'Iai' is the name given to a sword motion where the sword is drawn from the saya, or scabbard, a cut is made, and the sword is returned to the saya in a smooth motion, which is the style practiced in Iaido.

Iaido was created during the feudal age of Japan by a man named Hayashizaki Minamoto Jinsuke Shigenobu, under the name 'Iaijutsu'.

Iaido info