居合道(いあいどう)

いあいどう
noun
iaido, art of drawing the sword
1. iaido, art of drawing the sword
A Japanese martial art focused on the smooth, controlled drawing of the sword from its scabbard, striking an opponent, and resheathing the blade. Practiced primarily through solo forms (kata).
居合道(いあいどう)を始(はじ)めた。
I started learning iaido.
居合道(いあいどう)は刀(かたな)を抜(ぬ)く動作(どうさ)が基本(きほん)だ。
The basic motion in iaido is drawing the sword.
居合道(いあいどう)は一人(ひとり)で型(かた)を練習(れんしゅう)することが多(おお)い。
In iaido, you often practice forms solo.

WORD FORMATION:
居合(いあい) (drawing the sword while sitting/standing) + 道(どう) (way/path)

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
居合道(いあいどう) emphasizes precision, control, and mental discipline. Unlike 剣道(けんどう), which involves sparring with bamboo swords, 居合道(いあいどう) is practiced through 型(かた) (forms) using a real sword (真剣(しんけん)) or a blunt practice sword (居合刀(いあいとう)). The art traces its origins to the samurai practice of being prepared to respond to a sudden attack.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 居合(いあい): the technique of drawing and cutting in one motion
  • 居合刀(いあいとう): practice sword for iaido
  • 納刀(のうとう): resheathing the sword

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 居合道(いあいどう)の型(かた): iaido forms
  • 居合道(いあいどう)の段(だん): iaido rank
  • 居合道(いあいどう)を稽古(けいこ)する: to practice iaido

Related Words

Related: 合気道(あいきどう)
Related: 空手道(からてどう)
general
Added 2026.2.9 13:11 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:42
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