On Choosing a Sword by Masayuki Shimabukuro, Hanshi        Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, as we all know, is classified as a system of iaijutsu. However, we must remember that iaijutsu, although indicative of the prevailing strategies behind the use ofthe sword, is a component of kenjutsu. In short, as a complete sword art, iaijutsu cannot exist in separation from kenjutsu.     Many iaijutsu waza were codified to transmit strategies and methods of simultaneous defense and counters against surprise attacks, as opposed to techniques of combat that begin after swords have already been drawn. As I alluded to above, Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu contains extensive practice in both aspects of sword combat. That being said, it should stand to reason that the sword a practitioner chooses should be suitable for each aspect or “mode” of our art. It would be neither logical nor practicable to require one sword for situations requiring “iai techniques” and another for “kenjutsu … [Read more...]