Iaido is the art of drawing the sword and striking an armed opponent at lightning speed. It is the art of strategy, achieving precision in all aspects of mental and physical ability, including accurate footwork, balanced posture and crititcal timing. Live blades are razor-sharp and experienced practitioners are the only ones permitted to use them. The risk involved is thought to be worthwhile because this is the only way achieve the ultimate in awareness and concentration, and to unify the mind and the body together in total harmony.
Although Iaido may be classed as a separate martial art, it is closely related and complementary to Kendo. Kendo practice requires 2 people fencing each other armed with shinhai (bamboo swords) and wearing armour, whereas Iaido is practised on an individual basis wearing a gi, juban, hakama and obi. Practitioners use a real or an imitation sword, called an iaito. The aim of the exercise is to perform a set of movements (kata), in which the sword is drawn, an imaginary opponent is cut, and then the sword is resheathed. The ultimate purpose of Iaido, however, is to master the ability to overcome the enemy without the sword being drawn in the first place – in other words, to conquer the enemy “spiritually”, with the sword still in the sheath, and so resolve problems without having to even resort to violence. There is one quote that explains this way of thinking: “The mind is not disturbed by the self being beaten up but by the self beating up others.”
History:
Iaido derives from the ancient way of the Samurai warrior (bushi), and the forerunner of the art we know today, Iaijutsu, was used in earnest on the battlefield, whereas Iaido was designed to practise “the way of the sword”.
Evidence suggests that the bokken used today in Iaido has been used as a weapon since around 400 AD. The bokken is a solid wooden stick with the same shape, weight and approximate length as a sword, and is usually made of red or white oak. Bokken technique was followed by the art of tachikaki (drawing the sword from its scabbard). The blade (tachi or katana), was long and straight and the Japanese warrior would carry it on his left side. A shorter blade was used for quick-draw techniques known as batto.
Bollywood Movie Review - Black
"Black" is a cinematic masterpiece that swept the 2005 Indian Filmfare Awards, clinching eleven awards and setting a new record. The film continued its winning streak at the 2006 IIFA Awards, bagging ten more accolades. Time Magazine (Europe) recognized "Black" as one of the top 10 movies globally in 2005, ranking it fifth. Additionally, Filmfare Magazine listed it among the "25 Must-See Bollywood Movies." This article delves into the film's storyline, performances, cinematography, and editing, providing a comprehensive review.
Bollywood Movie Review - Lage Raho Munnabhai
Summary: "Lage Raho Munnabhai" is a must-watch Bollywood film that seamlessly blends humor with the timeless teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Starring Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi, this movie is a delightful mix of comedy and meaningful life lessons. The film's unique approach to applying Gandhi's principles in modern times makes it a standout in Indian cinema. With stellar performances and a well-crafted screenplay, "Lage Raho Munnabhai" is a cinematic gem that deserves multiple viewings.
Bollywood Movie Review - Dhoom 2
Dhoom 2, released on November 24, 2006, became a massive hit both in India and internationally. By early 2007, it had grossed $2,642,290 in the US alone. While the film is highly commercialized, focusing on its star-studded cast, entertainment value, and glamour, it lacks a substantial storyline. This review delves into the various aspects of the movie, from its plot to its cinematography, and explores why it resonated with audiences despite its narrative shortcomings.
