Notes for Beginners

Your first lesson:

What to wear:

We suggest you wear loose clothing that allows you the maximum possible freedom of movement. Any pants bottoms that allow you to do lunges and squats are about right.

What to bring:

Strictly speaking, you don't need to bring anything. If you already own a wooden practice sword (bokken or bokuto), you are welcome to bring it. If you need to buy one, a senior member will be able to advise you of price, where you can buy and what to look for. In general, there are some small things to look out for when buying a bokken: the blade section should be straight WHEN VIEWED FROM ABOVE (it should not be warped), the wood should not be cracked and it should be comfortable to handle (not too heavy, long, light or short).

What NOT to bring:

Unless you have some experience with Japanese swords and martial arts, it is not a good idea to bring a sword. An inexperienced practitioner handling a weapon of dubious quality can be a danger to himself and the other students. Weapons bought cheaply are often badly constructed and not suitable for rigorous use in martial arts training. If you are in doubt about the quality of your weapon, bring it along (do not expect to use it) and the sensei or senior students will be able to help you assess whether or not the weapon can be trained with.

What to expect:

When you enter the dojo or practice venue, you should stop in the doorway and bow to show your respect to the dojo and your fellow students. Remove your shoes and leave them in the entrance way.

Lessons begin with a warm-up session aimed at making sure the muscles are warm and stretched in order to avoid possible injury. This is usually followed by footwork (ashi-sabaki) - a senior student will explain the procedure to you at the time.

On your first lesson, the sensei or a senior student will instruct you on how to handle the sword. This will include how to grip the sword and the opening and closing ritual that begins and ends every lesson.

When the opening is performed, students line up according to seniority. As a beginner, you will sit at the furtherest end of the line. Watch the senior students if you need help.

Notes on dojo etiquette:

As a beginner, you are expected to prepare the dojo for the evening's session. This will include sweeping, which must be done thoroughly. A dirty floor can be slippery and dangerous.

Do not handle or unsheathe another student's sword without their permission - this is very bad etiquette.

Pay attention when the sensei or a senior student speaks. At the end of the lesson, students form a circle and bow to the centre of the circle, with the phrase, "Domo arigato gozaimashita!" (This means "Thank you very much!"). In this way, you are thanking the other students for the practice session.

Where to buy equipment

It is highly recommended that you discuss your purchase with your sensei and senior students, who will have experience with a variety of companies and products.

Clothing, Bokuto, and Accessories:

Bokuto/Bokken should be bought almost immediately. Clothing can be bought as soon as you have decided you wish to continue to study iaido. Here are a number of companies that sell iaido equipment. You may wish to consult the sensei and senior students for advice on equipment before making any purchases.


(Bokuto can also be bought at the Karate Shop in Pretoria and Sharp Edge/Sharp Shooter in Sandton City.)

Iaito (Practice sword):

When to buy your iaito is up to you and the sensei. It is a major investment and should only be undertaken once you are serious about iaido. Students may train with bokken for up to a year (sometimes more) before buying an iaito. Your sensei will be able to advise you on the sword length you require and what to look for when buying a sword.


Shinken (Sharp sword or "live blade"):

Please consult the sensei before buying a shinken for use in the dojo.


Developed by Kristina Georgieva