Japanese Sword Drawing: Intro. to the Art of Iaido - Mon. June 28, 2021

6415 Southwest Macadam Avenue,Portland OR 97239

28 June, 2021

Description

Iaido is known as "the way of sword drawing." In practice, it is the way of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword. In Japanese martial Note: This event is held inside the dojo. We have limited space. You may register as an observer or an "on-the mat" participant. If you cannot attend, please cancel your reservation to allow another person on the waiting list to participate. Iaido is known as "the way of sword drawing."  In practice, it is the way of drawing, cutting, and re-sheathing a sword. In Japanese martial arts the term way refers to a path of self-development or cultivation. The way of learning to draw the Japanese sword becomes a practice in refining the self. For this intro event we will accept up to 4 participants and 9 observers, however we have openings available for just 3 new students to apply and enroll in our ongoing program as regular Iaido students. Classes are regularly held Monday evenings 7:30-8:30pm. About Iaido training Practicing Iaido engages the mind and body fully. Iaido requires of us: mental discipline, sustained focus, attention to detail and awareness of how we recruit the self to perform action. Through practice we learn to formulate clear intention, gather oneself, organize our many parts to work together toward unified action, and then move fluidly, powerfully, definitively. In this introductory session you do not have to have your own Japanese sword to participate. You may borrow a wooden bokken* from the dojo for use in the class. For this session we will focus on exercises from standing. Footwork patterns include pivoting, sliding and stepping forward and backward. There will be some brief kneeling (e.g. sitting in seiza for bowing in and out at the start and end of class). No falling is required in the martial art of Iaido.   Benefits of regular Iaido practice: Resilience, self-awareness, fortitude, perseverance, calm, easier breathing, reduced stress, better balance, proprioception,,improved focus, patience, self-compassion, self-efficacy.Intro participants will have opportunity to learn how to: Hold and wield the sword (using wooden bokken for this class)Execute sword motions relative to the center line of the bodyMove the feet, legs and hips so that the lower body supports the motions of the spine, shoulders and armsBreathe intentionally with the movementsAttentively collect eye motion to align vision with intentionOver time, Iaido practitioners learn to:   Make good use of the ground so that gravity becomes a friendly force and powerful movement flows effortlesslyEnable the bones to transmit power cleanly so that the muscles can work efficientlyEducate the left and right halves of the body to coordinate around a central axis Allow the ribs to expand and contract in sync with the rise and fall of the sword and breath Allow the eyes to settle and align with one’s intention Develop functional footwork unleashing the power and elegance of the sword formsImprove balance, realize dynamic stability  For more information about our style of Iaido or the history of Iaido, please visit our webpage and explore the link to further articles: http://www.multnomahaikikai.com/iaido/ Your instructor: Suzane Van Amburgh, Chief Instructor of Multnomah Aikikai. Registration options: A. To observe the session, you may register free here through Eventbrite. Limit 9. Waiting list available. B. To participate, on the mat, with a wooden sword provided for you, please register through our website. There is a small fee and participants are limited to 4 people: https://www.multnomahaikikai.com/iaido Where: Aikido Multnomah Aikikai: 6415 S Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239 People of all colors and backgrounds are welcome in our dojo. Because of limited mat space and the nature of the practice we must limit the number of participants. In accordance with public health best practices, we will limit the number of observers in the space. Face coverings are optional for dojo visitors. If registration is full, please join the waiting list. If the introductory session confirms your interest, you may apply to enroll in our regular Monday night Iaido program. Most class dates are taught by Van Amburgh Sensei. Occasionally a senior student leads the class. Note: New applicants for regular Iaido training are accepted at Van Amburgh Sensei's discretion.   *  If you do not have your own bokken you may borrow one from the school during class time. If you would like to buy your own bokken, they are available for purchase through us.   Practice with the wooden bokken pictured above. Iaido forms are practiced solo with a metal sword crafted for the practice, in the tradition and specifications of an actual Japanese sword (live blade). However, partner practice with the wooden bokken serves to illuminate the targets and scenarios of the forms. Suzane teaches, and hosts other teachers, at Aikido Multnomah Aikikai in Portland Oregon.  Founder of Space To Move and Chief Instructor of Aikido Multnomah Aikikai, Van Amburgh has actively practiced the connection between martial arts, somatics and organizational effectiveness for the past ten years.  Learn more: Aikido Multnomah Aikikai: http://PracticeAikido.com Space To Move: http://SpaceToMove.com Link to this webpage: http://PracticeAikido.eventbrite.com