The peaceful state before drawing the sword-and the achievement of harmonious relations with other people-is what is meant by iai. Although the art is concerned with sword techniques, its essence lies in controlling the opponent before drawing the sword ( “Saya-no-Uchi”). The techniques are meant for countering surprise attacks by forestalling the opponent’s movements and delivering him a searing blow before he has time or the ability to counteract. The iai techniques can be seen as a “specialization” within the overall methods of traditional Japanese sword fighting, starting from a position with sword in scabbard. Iaido or iaijutsu is the way or art in which one draws and strikes the opponent in one single movement at lightning speed with spirit, sword and body as one-“ Ki-Ken-Tai Itto.” Iai literally means “facing an opponent” (or several opponents). The style aims at teaching practical, combative sword techniques, with an emphasis also on Zen and the attainment of enlightenment through swordsmanship. Mugai-ryu is a traditional, feudal-era form of swordsmanship founded in the late 1600s by Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi (1648–1727). The class focuses on basic posture, movement, drawing and cutting techniques found within the Mugai-ryu style of iaido.
Additional classes led by Devin Rushing-Schurr are offered on Sundays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Flemming Madsen sensei (renshi rokudan, Nippon Iaido Renmei Men no Maki, Mugai Ryu Iai Hyodo) offers a weekly iaido class for Baltimore Aikido members on Saturdays from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
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