Getting Started

You don't need anything to begin — no sword, no uniform, no experience. Here's how the first stretch of training actually unfolds, so there are no surprises.

Step one: come and try

The best first move is to visit a class. Wear loose clothes you can kneel and move in, bring water, and arrive a little early so someone can show you the basics of etiquette and safety. We'll lend you a practice sword. Your first visit is free, and you're under no obligation to come back. Read Your First Class for the full picture of the evening.

The first few weeks

Early training is mostly about your body, not the sword. You'll work on posture, sitting and rising from seiza, footwork, and how to hold, carry and set down the sword safely. Then you'll start on a single draw, repeated patiently until it stops fighting you. It's slow on purpose. Trying to rush into kata only builds habits a teacher then has to undo.

The first few months

As your basics settle, you'll begin learning the twelve Seitei kata, one piece at a time. This is the standardised set every iaido student learns first, and it's what most gradings are based on. Reaching all twelve takes most people well over a year, and you'll keep returning to the first form for the rest of your life. We sketch the whole set in The Twelve Seitei Kata.

Equipment, in order

1. Nothing for your first visits — borrow ours.
2. Training clothes once you decide to stay; your teacher will advise on a gi and hakama.
3. Your own iaitō after a couple of months, sized by your instructor. Don't buy early — see Choosing Your First Iaitō.
4. A sharp blade and cutting much later, and only with proper supervision. See What Test Cutting Teaches You.

Joining properly

When you've decided to commit, you'll become a member and register with the federation, which is what makes your future gradings count. The Sign Up page explains the paperwork and the etiquette and ranking guidelines.