The entire movement is so smooth, like a well oiled machine, in particular the resheathing of the sword. Sasha never loses focus the entire time, head straight forward, eyes locked, extremely well done and beautiful to watch
Mario: That's so cool! Happy you made it to nidan! This video is a special one to me as well. Sasha is awesome, of course. But this video seemed to be one that got really popular. Glad it could inspire you. Good luck in your practice! :D
She looks incredibly graceful and focused. I'm not a martial artist by any means, but the respect these forms show for the traditions of the sword are inspirational. I collected a few swords, and I treat them well, but this makes me consider taking classes.
As someone whos best friend back in school took Japanese martial arts and showed me a few proper basic movements of drawing striking returning, etc. Let me say, that was absolutely beautiful!
in our Dojo (Kyumeikan Kendo here in Japan) we have kids as early as 5 doing their training, their parents believe it is an integral part of the discipline and character development
i am an Iaido practitioner and i really enjoy it and it still suprises me how calm a combative art Iaido is. i love Ganmen-ate it is my favourite kata.
Thanks so much for sharing. I'm a student of muso shinden ryu as well, and it's always nice to get to see someone else of a higher rank performing a variety of kata.
Very good video. This is a different style to the Iaijutsu I practice (MJER), but I really enjoyed it. It's great to see so many different styles of Iaijutsu showcased on UA-cam.
Very very good, especially at the end when she kept her stare looking forward while placing the sword and cords on the ground. Notice the man beside her, he looked down while arranging the cords of the sheath.
happydragon5077 This is setei to rei, so you are allowed to look at the sword on the ground. For shinden koryu to rei, you would be correct. It's not a mistake in seitei not to look, but as it's not required, it's also not really advisable not to look - a fumble is a mistake. Very nice for Nidan, Sasha. Well done.
Rob Cheeses Thanks for that information....I and I suspect lots of others didn't know that. I guess that even proves that lady really trained hard....since she is so confident and ahead of her level.
Great posting. I love how good she is and that she stuck it out to Nidan! Has she achieved her Sandan now? The Chinese have us beat with flash and glitz, but there is nothing as smooth and beautiful as Japanese sword. Her instructor must be proud of her accomplishments!
+ACoustaDC I don't know what rank she is now. I assume sandan. I've been a bit out of touch with the iaido community for a while. :( If I see her at the next seminar, I'll ask.
I just started Iaido (Muso Shinden Ryu) and she executes everything very well but some small fine points are different here than how we are taught. I wonder why. It could just be that I am just a beginner and it's the angle of the shooting but some finer points are just tiny bit different. (Btw her stance is so nice and she looks really regal because of how well she keeps her back straight.)
I've noticed some differences between styles. But I often wonder if that's a difference in the style, or the student. Or maybe just my powers of observation. :)
Are all Iaido training done with a dull bladed katana or do some schools use a "live" blade? I study a traditional kendo style which we use both katana and wakizashi. The sensei I study under has us use "live" blades. I'm a red belt and close to getting my black and I haven't cut myself yet. I love the samurai style of swordsmanship out of any the worlds societies styles. Studying kendo is a dream come true for me!
Congratulations Sasha, I know the difficulty in preparing yourself mentally and physically. Over coming your nerves is probably the most difficult thing, but it looks as if you mastered it quite well. I, myself have recently (June) passed my Sandan here in France. Until recently I didn't know there was a dojo of iai in NJ. Keep up the good work.
@alan: I'm not sure what you mean. Do you want to know where she purchased her sword? I'm not sure, but I could ask. As I recall, it is not a "live blade", but rather an iaito (i.e. not sharp). If you are interested in places to buy swords, shoot me a message, and I'll send you some links.
I really like this video. Although I have Japanese blood, I grew up in a part of Canada where there were very few Japanese people. That said I never studied this particular art but have always thought it beautiful. I think Sasha did an amazing job and I applaud her. Her sense of focus and concentration is unwavering and I wish her all the best. Does she still practice? Are there any more videos of her testing or training?
pretty girl)) but iaido is a fast art and here half of the video is standing and walking. this was not the case in ancient art. the warrior has nothing more. it was invented a couple of centuries ago
On Tsuka ate the back foot is not providing force for the strike, the back foot plants after the strike is complete and the cut is made from around 45 degrees down the back, also it may be only the angle but it appears that on the habachi is not brought to the koiguchi to form correct noto. Not trying to be a downer, nice grading, just a few points I saw :)
Her moves were beautifully organized from head to toe . A "noto" is , yes it means "re-sheathing the sword" and in Japanese it is "納刀", it took me a while to comprehend it^^
I did like it. I think she had a little mistake at the beginning, when she shows "rei" to the sword --the tsuka is on the contrary side. Did I watch wrong?
Idk if previously stated, but again thanks for sharing. Seeing a woman preform these kata helps me understand that I completely lack a proper poise when draw. 😑
I am not personally fully interested in Iaido, but I have much respect for her deep training and respect for the sword. I am a possible future Kendo practitioner, and I love all Japanese arts.
Your understanding of nihonto is very lopsided. A legend tells of the great Masamune, his son, and grandson having a competition to see whom could create the best sword. They worked tirelessly, each forging their very best blades. The test was to place the blades in a stream which had many leaves floating down it, to see how well the swords cut the leaves as they gently floated down the stream. The grandson placed his blade in the stream, and it cut many leaves, but eventually the leaves stacked up and the sword stopped cutting them. The son placed his blade in the stream, and it cleanly cut every single leave without fail. Then the grandfather, Masamune placed his sword in the stream. And the leaves parted, never touching the blade, and the blade not cutting a single one. Many variations on this story exist, which you can read about by googling Masamune. But the underlying point is always the same: They are not blood thirsty.
superbleeder98 I study Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage ryu and Daito ryu. I have previously studied Iaido. I'm not sure why whether or not I like anime would have any bearing on this question. Or why you think an anime fan would even consider it an insult.
I like these katas because: Dont spend to much time in seiza (knee position) and are brief. Keeping short the katas is a good idea. They promote the handling of the katana in basic attacks but dont show enough evasion and blocks as expected.
It is appropriate for you to wield a chainsaw with such grace. The cutting is only a means to an end. The whole of life is Art. Enjoyed and appreciated best with an edge.
I didn't read the intro by Mr Norton before watching - I was wondering about the different techniques - then to read she is from a different ryu - that's great for the future of Iaido. Good video. Was Sasha awarded the nidan grade?
What dojo do you train at and where was this filmed? I'm also interested in other styles. I currently train in Nakamura Ryu Battodo and will be going to Japan in October for my own Nidan test.
My only question is why so slow,.. I've studied this myself and performed these at national level comps btw. I understand that her level is a novice but even then there should be a distinct separation of slow careful motion and explosive precision action when striking. Her form is good, don't get me wrong i'm not hating on her , just wondering why the constant slow mo?
That is very difficult to do. She has short arms but her extraction is damn near flawless. Also drawing a sword from a kneeling position is MUCH harder than it looks. Good job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't want to offend anyone but I can't understand what Iaido is which makes it so interestng for many people.. Could someone explain to me why there are so many people doing Iaido ?
@TheMe: In my style (muso jikiden eishin ryu) it is encouraged that new/beginning students use an iaito (unsharpened blade, same weight as "real"). Eventually we "upgrade" to a shinken (live blade), but it is not a requirement unless one tests for fourth dan.
I *was* a practisioner of Iaido and, amusingly, specifically Muso Shinden Ryu. It was interesting noticing what she did different, or not, from what I was taught. Among the differences, we were taught to do the actual cutting and turning-to-face movements a bit faster than she does. Likely a matter of our sensei wishing to emphatise that those were the points where speed *would* be necessary. But then again, every instructor I've ever had taught to do the katas in a slightly different way. That's why I mentioned "different" and not "wrong".
@Konotani I don't know if there are set times (in aikido, there are hour/day requirements). But speaking from a practical standpoint, most people are encouraged to test for their first rank (usually third kyu) after a few months. And we test twice a year, so shodan can probably be reached in a year and a half. As I recall, the nidan test must be at least one year after shodan. But I'll let a AUSKF iaido instructor chime in with more details...
Nice job!Very good zanshin and composure,very strong posture.I train Nakamura Ha Toyama Ryu Iai Battodo,so im not very familiar with the finer points of the Keno
Mr. Norton you are quite right on the bases of the way Nakamura wrote Iaido and how the phrase has been popularized since. However as a term Iaido dates only back to the 1930s and Nakamura claimed to have not tough the true transmission based on some obscure vow to Shimamura. Hence we are technically talking about Kanji being used for Nihongo which is often shroud in secrets. Omari Ryu which is the bases for all Muso Ryu factions currently claims To as a suffix is based on the Chinese term for sword but if To is taken as the Japanese term for Attack the katas make much more sense!
![[2019] Bi Ying Liang [CHN] - Taiji - 1st - 15th WWC @ Shanghai Wushu Worlds](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D2W605JFCTU/mqdefault.jpg)
The entire movement is so smooth, like a well oiled machine, in particular the resheathing of the sword. Sasha never loses focus the entire time, head straight forward, eyes locked, extremely well done and beautiful to watch
This video has been sort of a benchmark for me over the last few years. Finaly made it to nidan myself. Thanks for sharing and keep practicing.
Mario: That's so cool! Happy you made it to nidan! This video is a special one to me as well. Sasha is awesome, of course. But this video seemed to be one that got really popular. Glad it could inspire you. Good luck in your practice! :D
This was beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
She looks incredibly graceful and focused. I'm not a martial artist by any means, but the respect these forms show for the traditions of the sword are inspirational. I collected a few swords, and I treat them well, but this makes me consider taking classes.
She is clean, concise, and measured.. Not a surprise she passed.
Thank you for showing the begining and the end of the video by recording the details. I too believe it is important.
As someone whos best friend back in school took Japanese martial arts and showed me a few proper basic movements of drawing striking returning, etc. Let me say, that was absolutely beautiful!
Excellent, thank you for sharing, and well done to your friend Sasha.
Nice and slow. Very controlled and precise. A++!
in our Dojo (Kyumeikan Kendo here in Japan) we have kids as early as 5 doing their training, their parents believe it is an integral part of the discipline and character development
Skill and discipline that honors the art well done
Great sportsmanship! You were spot on.
Le semé,toujours l’action du semé !
Beaucoup de décalage entre l’action et le mestuke .
Félicitations
Such poise, elegance and focus. Just beautiful, well achieved grace. Domo.
I do not know who the young lady is, but to see such beauty combined with such skill and precision is an honor. Thank you for sharing this.
absolutely beautiful so silent,respectful and calming perfect
This is so beautiful and graceful to watch. Thank you for sharing.
That was beautiful, the silence of it made is perfect.
So beautiful! Super clean. Her concentration is really inspiring.
i am an Iaido practitioner and i really enjoy it and it still suprises me how calm a combative art Iaido is. i love Ganmen-ate it is my favourite kata.
Thanks, Cameron! Ganmen-ate is one of my least favorite. I have lots of trouble with the turning.
Her noto is so smooth! Nice work!
Thanks so much for sharing. I'm a student of muso shinden ryu as well, and it's always nice to get to see someone else of a higher rank performing a variety of kata.
She was really good to watch. Her movements were so graceful and well timed. I can only imagine that she must have passed.
she looks great.
Well done, great video.
Amazing skill and focus.
Do I challenge her to get my Shura ending?
It was a pleasant display ...well done Sasha San you sent chills
Fantastique Sacha le geste est fluide, magnifique et très agréable à regarder.
Exactly what my sensei said to me on my first day, about a year ago. I'm glad I kept it up. Getting my first iaito within the next few months.
I was going to say the same thing. Very elegant in her movement but still powerful and controlled.
Very impressive! Much harmony!
What an elegant woman, superb work.
Very good video. This is a different style to the Iaijutsu I practice (MJER), but I really enjoyed it. It's great to see so many different styles of Iaijutsu showcased on UA-cam.
Very very good, especially at the end when she kept her stare looking forward while placing the sword and cords on the ground. Notice the man beside her, he looked down while arranging the cords of the sheath.
happydragon5077
This is setei to rei, so you are allowed to look at the sword on the ground. For shinden koryu to rei, you would be correct. It's not a mistake in seitei not to look, but as it's not required, it's also not really advisable not to look - a fumble is a mistake.
Very nice for Nidan, Sasha. Well done.
Rob Cheeses Thanks for that information....I and I suspect lots of others didn't know that. I guess that even proves that lady really trained hard....since she is so confident and ahead of her level.
Beautiful video. Thanks for posting.
i really do appreciate Iaido when i was younger i studied kendo but i always wanted to learn Iaido now days i spend most of my time studying shotokan
Great demonstration of correctness and obedience,respect and enjoyed it.
Beautifully done!
She's amazing! great form
Tsukate was very good. So was Ganmenate. Watch the footwork on Morotetsuki though. Where do you and Sasha train? Who's your sensei??
Thanks very much Sasha
know nothing about this art. the Lady incredibly composed and graceful
Fascinating posture and technique.
Great posting. I love how good she is and that she stuck it out to Nidan! Has she achieved her Sandan now? The Chinese have us beat with flash and glitz, but there is nothing as smooth and beautiful as Japanese sword. Her instructor must be proud of her accomplishments!
+ACoustaDC I don't know what rank she is now. I assume sandan. I've been a bit out of touch with the iaido community for a while. :( If I see her at the next seminar, I'll ask.
David Norton
Thank you for the update!
I just started Iaido (Muso Shinden Ryu) and she executes everything very well but some small fine points are different here than how we are taught. I wonder why. It could just be that I am just a beginner and it's the angle of the shooting but some finer points are just tiny bit different. (Btw her stance is so nice and she looks really regal because of how well she keeps her back straight.)
I've noticed some differences between styles. But I often wonder if that's a difference in the style, or the student. Or maybe just my powers of observation. :)
Are all Iaido training done with a dull bladed katana or do some schools use a "live" blade? I study a traditional kendo style which we use both katana and wakizashi. The sensei I study under has us use "live" blades. I'm a red belt and close to getting my black and I haven't cut myself yet. I love the samurai style of swordsmanship out of any the worlds societies styles. Studying kendo is a dream come true for me!
She looked amazing. While this happened a long time ago, I hope she has continued her training in the Way of the Sword.
Congratulations Sasha, I know the difficulty in preparing yourself mentally and physically. Over coming your nerves is probably the most difficult thing, but it looks as if you mastered it quite well. I, myself have recently (June) passed my Sandan here in France. Until recently I didn't know there was a dojo of iai in NJ. Keep up the good work.
Very very nice... The silence is golden in your draw
I agree with mr.ichi nice form i too am pleased to see a woman practice the old ways.
@alan: I'm not sure what you mean. Do you want to know where she purchased her sword? I'm not sure, but I could ask. As I recall, it is not a "live blade", but rather an iaito (i.e. not sharp). If you are interested in places to buy swords, shoot me a message, and I'll send you some links.
I really like this video. Although I have Japanese blood, I grew up in a part of Canada where there were very few Japanese people. That said I never studied this particular art but have always thought it beautiful. I think Sasha did an amazing job and I applaud her. Her sense of focus and concentration is unwavering and I wish her all the best. Does she still practice? Are there any more videos of her testing or training?
pretty girl)) but iaido is a fast art and here half of the video is standing and walking. this was not the case in ancient art. the warrior has nothing more. it was invented a couple of centuries ago
On Tsuka ate the back foot is not providing force for the strike, the back foot plants after the strike is complete and the cut is made from around 45 degrees down the back, also it may be only the angle but it appears that on the habachi is not brought to the koiguchi to form correct noto.
Not trying to be a downer, nice grading, just a few points I saw :)
Is she win this testing for the ni dan black belt of the iaido.
I hope she is.
Thanks!
Her moves were beautifully organized from head to toe . A "noto" is , yes it means "re-sheathing the sword" and in Japanese it is "納刀", it took me a while to comprehend it^^
great focus!
It's all quite beautiful. Are you both still training?
I did like it. I think she had a little mistake at the beginning, when she shows "rei" to the sword --the tsuka is on the contrary side. Did I watch wrong?
An amazing performance. Good work.
Idk if previously stated, but again thanks for sharing. Seeing a woman preform these kata helps me understand that I completely lack a proper poise when draw. 😑
Beautiful done. Congratulations
I am not personally fully interested in Iaido, but I have much respect for her deep training and respect for the sword. I am a possible future Kendo practitioner, and I love all Japanese arts.
Using a sword as a cane for dancing is not respecting it.
It wants to cut flesh, drink blood, sever bones. : 3
Your understanding of nihonto is very lopsided.
A legend tells of the great Masamune, his son, and grandson having a competition to see whom could create the best sword. They worked tirelessly, each forging their very best blades.
The test was to place the blades in a stream which had many leaves floating down it, to see how well the swords cut the leaves as they gently floated down the stream.
The grandson placed his blade in the stream, and it cut many leaves, but eventually the leaves stacked up and the sword stopped cutting them.
The son placed his blade in the stream, and it cleanly cut every single leave without fail.
Then the grandfather, Masamune placed his sword in the stream.
And the leaves parted, never touching the blade, and the blade not cutting a single one.
Many variations on this story exist, which you can read about by googling Masamune. But the underlying point is always the same: They are not blood thirsty.
Astral Ocelot iwiwowiwk
The woman got samurai gracefull movement, great form.
Looked awesome :) Love seeing other types/styles of Iaido/iaijutsu than my own :D
Nice job so smooth and peaceful
I'm curious how iaido practitioners are able to develop proper maiai with non partnered kata. I'd be curious to know more about the training.
superbleeder98 I study Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage ryu and Daito ryu. I have previously studied Iaido. I'm not sure why whether or not I like anime would have any bearing on this question. Or why you think an anime fan would even consider it an insult.
Whatever gets you off kid. I had better shit to do at 19. I feel bad for you.
Disciplined and graceful Sasha.
I like these katas because: Dont spend to much time in seiza (knee position) and are brief. Keeping short the katas is a good idea.
They promote the handling of the katana in basic attacks but dont show enough evasion and blocks as expected.
Excellent performance!
wow Sasha! love your kata and hairstyle; neat performance; thx 4 sharing
The armchair samurai are always amusing in these comments.
@@coadacatalin4510 How bad is it that I understood all those references?
@@luuk341 nothing bad about being a man of culture.
It is appropriate for you to wield a chainsaw with such grace. The cutting is only a means to an end. The whole of life is Art. Enjoyed and appreciated best with an edge.
Is this kendo-renmei Iaido? It differs significantly from the MSDR that I'm used to.
Who downvotes Iaido...? Just baffling.
I didn't read the intro by Mr Norton before watching - I was wondering about the different techniques - then to read she is from a different ryu - that's great for the future of Iaido. Good video. Was Sasha awarded the nidan grade?
What dojo do you train at and where was this filmed? I'm also interested in other styles. I currently train in Nakamura Ryu Battodo and will be going to Japan in October for my own Nidan test.
これは真剣を用いているんだろうか？どのような考えで始めたのか聞いてみたい‼️
My only question is why so slow,.. I've studied this myself and performed these at national level comps btw.
I understand that her level is a novice but even then there should be a distinct separation of slow careful motion and explosive precision action when striking.
Her form is good, don't get me wrong i'm not hating on her , just wondering why the constant slow mo?
Perfected "disciplina"👏👏👏
That is very difficult to do. She has short arms but her extraction is damn near flawless. Also drawing a sword from a kneeling position is MUCH harder than it looks. Good job !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't want to offend anyone but I can't understand what Iaido is which makes it so interestng for many people.. Could someone explain to me why there are so many people doing Iaido ?
You get to swing around a sword and act important without getting your hands dirty, or bruises from sparring.
Is this for vs a unarmed man? Because I don't feel that going against another person whom has a sword would work out so well .
This is a style of training, not a practice for combat.
@TheMe:
In my style (muso jikiden eishin ryu) it is encouraged that new/beginning students use an iaito (unsharpened blade, same weight as "real"). Eventually we "upgrade" to a shinken (live blade), but it is not a requirement unless one tests for fourth dan.
I *was* a practisioner of Iaido and, amusingly, specifically Muso Shinden Ryu. It was interesting noticing what she did different, or not, from what I was taught. Among the differences, we were taught to do the actual cutting and turning-to-face movements a bit faster than she does. Likely a matter of our sensei wishing to emphatise that those were the points where speed *would* be necessary. But then again, every instructor I've ever had taught to do the katas in a slightly different way. That's why I mentioned "different" and not "wrong".
Fascinating and beautiful.
Great! I´m a MSR practitioner as well. She is amazing, your friend. Ganbatte!
Beautiful
Beauty and the Sword
So the part when she was getting up and and then like flicked her sword to her side was meant to be used to remove blood from the weapon right ?
@Dave8972 how long does it take you guys to be eligible for Shodan and Nidan? 3-4 years of practice?
@Konotani I don't know if there are set times (in aikido, there are hour/day requirements). But speaking from a practical standpoint, most people are encouraged to test for their first rank (usually third kyu) after a few months. And we test twice a year, so shodan can probably be reached in a year and a half. As I recall, the nidan test must be at least one year after shodan.
But I'll let a AUSKF iaido instructor chime in with more details...
Very beautiful and graceful.
she must be 6 dan now, in 2019? video please... :)
Toyama ryu style? She must be 3 dan by now... yet maybe able to apply for 4 dan next year i think...
Nice job!Very good zanshin and composure,very strong posture.I train Nakamura Ha Toyama Ryu Iai Battodo,so im not very familiar with the finer points of the Keno
Mr. Norton you are quite right on the bases of the way Nakamura wrote Iaido and how the phrase has been popularized since. However as a term Iaido dates only back to the 1930s and Nakamura claimed to have not tough the true transmission based on some obscure vow to Shimamura. Hence we are technically talking about Kanji being used for Nihongo which is often shroud in secrets. Omari Ryu which is the bases for all Muso Ryu factions currently claims To as a suffix is based on the Chinese term for sword but if To is taken as the Japanese term for Attack the katas make much more sense!
This is all wrong. I’ll have you know I watched over 37283728 anime’s and she didn’t even do a single backflip or sword spin. Disgraceful
😂😂😂😂😂
Very graceful ! she's helluva kenshin!
Simply beautiful.
absolutely beautiful