What Makes a Great Practice Sword?

Are you interested in practicing iaido in Ann Arbor?

A little lost when it comes to swords?

We practice Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido at JMAC, and there are many factors that make for a good practice sword -called an iaito- for this style:

Sword Material – Consider an alloy blade, as they tend to have a better feel than steel, which has good feel only in very expensive iaito.

Sword Length – Japanese swords are typically measured in the ancient system of shaku, sun, bu - roughly equal to a foot, an inch, and a centimeter. A typical iaito for our practice is between 2-shaku 3-sun (27.4 inches) and 2-shaku 4-sun 5-bu (29.2 inches). To find the best blade length for you, hold your right arm out straight and to the side, parallel to the floor. The length of your blade should be about the distance from the center of your sternum to the center of your right palm. 

Learn what other factors make a great sword!

Study Iaido in Ann Arbor

Anyone can practice iaido! It may seem intimidating, but at JMAC, we adapt to the pace of our students. You’ll learn how to handle a sword at your own pace in a safe, supportive environment.

Contact us today to begin practicing iaido in Ann Arbor!