Episode 1: Origins and Development of Seitei Iai

An overview of the origins and development of Seitei Iai, the standardized form of sword drawing (iai) promoted by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei. Seitei Iai serves as an important introduction to the study of ancient iai schools. The discussion briefly reviews ancient iai, identifying Hayashizaki Junsuke Shigenobu as a key figure in the development and dissemination of the art in the late 16th century, while acknowledging earlier schools. The grading and basic teaching of modern kendo practitioners led to the creation of Seitei Iai in 1969. This system is the result of a compromise among twelve masters, who borrowed and modified techniques from their respective classical schools, a process that continues to evolve with the addition of new kata.