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This will be the last article in the series on Mugairyu Meishiha, and I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you.
While explaining some of the kata in Mugairyu, we have also shown how these kata work in cutting practice. I'd like to explain why I am concerned about demonstrating how these kata actually cut. I consider cutting to be the key to understanding the theme (of this series), “What is iai?”
According to the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, over 60 styles of iaido still exist. There seem to be many styles within these 60 remaining styles that only practice kata, which involves only one person training by him/herself. In that case, the only thing they have to rely upon is mere theory. In true iaido practice there should be a fine line between life and death. Living or dying is decided as soon as the sword leaves the scabbard. However, if theory is all there is (in the practice), then naturally, “iaido as a way” becomes nothing more than a topic of conversation.
Here's the way I see it. The first step in learning iaido is drawing and resheathing the sword, followed by learning how to swing the sword (to cut). The true essence of iaido is drawing the sword to cut, and this fact cannot be negated. I thoroughly believe in this simple and ordinary practice of drawing the resheathing the sword. Anyone can cut a makiwara by thoroughly studying (these simple techniques) and devoting themselves to the practice. Historically, at a time when iaido was most likely being used practically, confronting an opponent and living on that edge of life and death was a daily matter, but unlike those times, (nowadays) the makiwara doesn't come after you! I would like you to understand that the first step (in training) is cutting and the second step is kumitachi.
Unlike cutting when there is no one coming after you, in kumitachi there is another person counter-attacking. The tactics involved, such as footwork, body movement, breathing, timing and distance to your opponent, are considerable. Without a doubt, you can be cut or stabbed if you move without considering your opponent's movements or if your own movements are wasteful. Only after these first two steps, cutting and kumitachi, do we arrive at the third and final step: kata practice.
Kata practice can seem simple and straightforward if you don't think about what you're doing, but kata practice can also become increasingly difficult the deeper you delve into iaido. I think this difference (in understanding kata practice) indicates a divide between those who simply follow the patterns in the kata and those who have taken the step into true iaido by accumulating the requisite skills through cutting and kumitachi.
Therefore, asking someone to draw their sword once is enough to know that person's iaido ability. You can't attain the skill levels of the heroes, swordsmen, and budo masters of the past by simply preaching iaido as “a way” and tracing over the kata.
For us, as there once was for the sword masters long ago like the founder of our style, Mugariyu, there is something to be explored and ultimately attained about living and dying through the actual practice of cutting. Beyond this practice, the way reached by these heroes of old times must exist. First look for the strength and tools necessary, and then, ultimately, this level should be attainable. If this is truly the case, then aiming to be modern practitioners of budo through cutting, kumitachi, and finally, through kata practice, is the only choice for ordinary people living in modern times; people like us who do not have our backs up against that edge between life and death.
The way does not exist as “a way” from the very beginning of practice. “The way is in the techniques”.
I will bring this article to a close here. I would like to end with a few words from the founder of Mugairyu, Tuji Gettan.
“Strive for the fundamentals and know that in the end all will be resolved.”
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