An Introduction to Iaido: Its Purpose and Benefits
2016 11 30 | journal
An Introduction to Iaido: Its Purpose and Benefits
Someone called me a "cheat" because I don't feel a strong inner need to go test and therefore grade in Iaido. I want to do it, but I don't need to do it. They are not the same animal. This person also appears to have failed to comprehend that there is more to a martial art than learning to use a weapon or, to borrow a song lyric, "trash bozos". I am not a person for whom competition is a motivator, nor do I need a piece of paper to tell me I've either done well or succeeded. While there is nothing wrong with those things, and at some point I will test and get my piece of paper, they aren't the be-all and end-all for everyone. I need to improve myself, not compare myself to others.
I am getting the feeling that the utter lack of contact in Iaido, its complete lack of practical application, and my appreciation for its aspects of moving meditation, are not being grasped. I think, in some cases, it is one of those things that has to be done to be understood, at least for some folks.
Anyhow, this article explains some aspects of Iai that might clear up the mystery.
But, before I leave you, a couple of thoughts:
- Not being desirous of external valuation does not make one a cheat.
- Lack of practical application does not make something a waste of time.