CHOPSTICKS NY | vol. 043 | November 2010 | www.chopsticksny.com 47

LIFESTYLE

My Chopsticks NY reports have led me to explore and discover various arts and traditions of Japan, some more physical than others! From water painting to Okinawan karate, I know that each report requires my full attention… but nothing prepared me for an-cient weaponry in the art of IAIDO.

Iaido is usually referred as “the art of drawing the sword.” It has evolved from the 16th century samurai techniques. As an authentic martial art that proved its martial values in a time of constant battle and warfare, it was preserved and passed on directly from teacher to student over generations. Nowadays, iaido has evolved into an introspection and meditative art. Since the early 70’s, the spirit of iaido is kept alive at the New York Budokai. Founded by Sensei Otani, the dojo (school) has now successfully passed onto one of his early student: sensei Phil Ortiz. In one corner of the room a little shrine is set-up with a few sticks of burning incent and a cup of rice and water. After a respectful bow to their master and practice partners, the dedicated students start their combinations of standing or kneeling kata (forms).

Each movement is composed of 4 principle elements: drawing the sword from the scabbard (saya), strik-ing or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade (chiburi), and then replacing the sword in the scabbard (noto). All movements are generated through core breathing and hip movements back and forth and generally initiated by moving the left foot forward.

Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The more experimented members of the dojo take great pride and enjoyment in describing the philoso-phy of the school, the correct way of handling the sword (for instance: the blade is always facing you when you pass the weapon to another member) or the position of the body during a kata. The atmo-sphere is jovial and animated before and after prac-tice, but when the iaitos (swords) are out, everyone focus on the execution of the movements.

Each member experiences the practice at its own level, but commune with the same spirit and towards the same goal: reflecting on oneself. Iaido is not a sport and does not cultivate the contemporary fas-cination for competition. During the class, the stu-dents focus on mastering the art of controlling the sword and finding your inner self. As Sensei Phil Ortiz says “repeating the katas is all about finding yourself.” Your ego becomes your virtual opponent and each kata gets you closer to finding inner peace. The sword becomes and extension of the body and each movement flows with your own breathing pace. The surprising peace found during practice can seem paradoxical with the heavy piece of armory handled. Despite a few failing attempts at pulling my instru-ment out of its scabbard, I found myself drawn into the serenity and empowering sensation of making one with my sword.

Japanese martial arts, like Kendo (Art of Japanese Fencing) have gained recent popularity in America. They share a common purpose: mold the mind and body, cultivate a vigorous spirit, show respect and courtesy to your partner and forever pursue the cul-tivation of oneself but the two arts differs and many ways. In iaido, the students do not make contact, but visualize imaginary opponents while performing dif-ferent attacking and defending scenarios. Besides, iaido practice provides no armor protecting one’s body and the sword weapon is made of metal (not bamboo).

After two hours of practice with the New York Bu-dokai dojo, I feel more focused and empowered. The swords are respectfully put aside but their auras re-main. The concluding words of Sensei Ortiz send me back to reality with a revealing strength “ If you can defeat your ego, you can defeat anything.”

------ Reported by Ruth Berdah-Canet

FOCUS * CULTURE

1. Iaido is a practice of control, accuracy and coordination. It is also a great workout for the upper body! 2. The group is executing an 8-directional kata known as “ XXX” where the body balance is shifted from one leg to the other. 3. The Ku-mitachi technique consists of partners coordinating timing and accuracy. It is practiced with wooden swords for safety. 4. Sensei Phil Ortiz has over 40 years of martial arts experience.

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New York Budokai 520 8th Ave. (bet. 36th & 37th Sts.) 16th Fl.New York, NY 10018 www.newyorkbudokai.net / info@newyorkbudokai.net

IaIdo: a martIal art wIth a “cuttINg edge”