Training swords in Japanese swordsmanship
The Iaito has a firm place in the Japanese martial arts. It is a training sword with a blade made of a zinc-aluminium alloy. The blade is blunt.
The handle and scabbard of our Japanese swords are particularly neatly finished so that they can be used for long-term training.
In addition to the normal wooden training sword (Bokken or Bokuto) Iaito are the most important training sword.
When does the Iai training start?
Iai-To are the training swords for Iai training. As an individual martial art, this training is called Iai-Do or Iai-Jutsu. However, Iai is also a component of many martial arts, in which forms (kata) are trained that begin with the drawing of the sword.
When you start training with a training sword can vary greatly depending on which sword school you train in.
In some schools, the wooden sword is practised first before Iaito is used. Others train with both the wooden sword and the iaito from the outset.
Which Iaito to start with?
When training can finally begin, the question arises as to which sword is best suited for the start.
For the training of Japanese martial arts, it should be an Iaito that was actually made in Japan.
There are also cheaper swords from China. However, these have somewhat different characteristics and are not welcome in most martial arts schools for Japanese martial arts.
The Iaito that we recommend for the start are in the Category with the most favourable training swords in our shop.
The length of the blade depends on the size of the practitioner. We have written an article about the correct length of Iaito. However, as the length varies between schools, you should always discuss the correct length with the master craftsman at your school before purchasing.
The swords in this category have a blade length of 2.2 to 2.45 Shaku. These are the standard dimensions according to Japanese standards. Lengths exceeding this are usually custom-made and considerably more expensive than swords with the standard length.
That's why it makes sense for taller people to buy a sword in the normal size range when they start training and only switch to a customised model when they reach a higher level.
We offer an interesting selection of Iaito in different designs for beginners. So that you can start training straight away, the most common sizes of these beginner Iaito are usually available immediately!
Which accessories make sense to start training?
In addition to the sabre itself, there are useful accessories that are usually purchased with the sabre.
Koiguchi Kun
Koiguchi Kun is a protective element that maintains the condition of your training sword in the long term. It is placed between the opening of the sword sheath and the blade of the sword.
If the centreboard is transported closed, the accuracy of fit will deteriorate over time because the opening will wear out due to unnatural movements during transport.
Most of the models in our shop come with a matching cardboard protective disc for delivery, although this is not designed for long-term use. In the long term, however, it makes sense to get the leather version directly when buying the sabre.
Sword bag/sword pouch
Every Iaito from our shop comes with a simple sword pouch. This is made from a thin fabric.
For safe and protected transport, it may make sense to use an additional Sword bag or even a Carry bag to order in addition. These offer much better protection.
They also have a much more decorative look. We even offer sword pouches in different lengths.
Sageo
The entry-level models of training swords have a comparatively simple look. This can be customised relatively easily by replacing the Sageo band on the sword sheath.
We have suitable Shigeuchi tapes in the range at reasonable prices with a large selection of colours.
The strap can be changed by anyone without prior knowledge and in a reasonable amount of time.
Sword oil
The blade of our training swords is made from a rustproof metal alloy. This does not require rust protection.
However, in the past customers have often Japanese clove oil for sword care ordered from us. This is used in the care of real swords to protect the blades from steel.
Clove oil also spreads a pleasant fragrance when used on Iaito and also gives a training sword the usual ambience that one knows from the care of a real sword.
