Shizentai: To be natural

Woah, we're doing night classes now too!

Every now and then, I read and re-read the texts in Esaka sensei's book: "Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu: Iaido Nyumon" [Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu: Iaido Nyumon by Esaka Seigen | Goodreads]

One of the texts that really drive the point for me is ironically an excerpt in another book, from Esaka sensei's teacher, Kono Hyakuren sensei: "Iaido Shintei".

In it, there is a quote:

Drawing and sheathing your sword should be extremely natural.

And Esaka sensei's explanation of that quote:

More specifically, natural sword work means that you make no sound in the scabbard and not a slightest flaw on the scabbard mouth (koiguchi) or on either side of it.

Beyond just the natural aspect of the sword work, SHIZENTAI is also about the ease and flow of your body's movements in Iaido. A fun exercise I like to do with my students is the let's-go-get-bbt game. (Boba or bubble tea for the uninitiated)

In this game, the idea is to casually invite your imaginary opponent for a drink. You could either verbalise this internally, or externally, but the point is to be as chill and relaxed as the act of getting a drink. As you offer the invite, casually push your sword out and brush them with the monouchi.

I intentionally omit the word cut because it might tempt people to apply unnecessary force to their attacks, thus making the waza unnatural.

I still make some sounds every now and then whenever I draw my sword, but I'm of the belief that the goal is to be natural, and not overly uptight about the sound of the sword in the saya, or focusing on being flawless. Afterall, a dynamic art like Iaido is bound to have good days and bad ones. But being natural, ala chill guy, that we can strive to be whenever we go get bbt. Or coffee. Or a pint. Pick your poison.

See you in the dojo. ❤️

Billy