Seitei Iaido is the iaido style of the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF, Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei or ZNKR). They were drawn from or based on several of the major traditional sword schools, including Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Muso Shinden-ryu and Hoki-ryu. Three more kata were added in 1981 and two more in 2000, increasing the number of seitei iaido kata to the current twelve. These kata are officially known as the "All Japan Kendo Federation Iai" Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iai, or Zen Ken Ren Iai and commonly referred to as seitei or seitei-gata.The twelve Seitei iaido forms seitei-gata are now standardised for the tuition, promotion and propagation of iaido within the kendo federations. Although not all dojo teach seitei iaido, the AJKF uses them as a standard for their exams and shiai. As a result, seitei iaido has become the most widely recognised form of iaido in Japan and the rest of the world.
Dojo that are affiliated with the All Japan Kendo Federation, generally begin practice with these twelve forms or seitei-gata before going on to teach any classical forms of iaido that may also be included in their curriculum.
1.Mae - Front. Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling a frontal attack.
2.Ushiro - Rear. Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling an attack from the rear.
3.Ukenagashi - Deflect and Cut. Commencing from a kneeling position, parrying an attack from the left.
4.Tsuka-ate - Striking with the Hilt. Commencing from a raised knee, seated position (Tate Hiza), forestalling two attackers, front and rear.
5.Kesagiri - Diagonal Cut. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an approaching attacker.
6.Morote-zuki - Two-Hand Thrust. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, two in front and one behind.
7.Sanpogiri - Three Direction Cut. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, one each to the right, left and front.
8.Ganmen-ate - Hit to the Face. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling two approaching attackers, front and rear.
9.Soete-zuki - Joined Hand Thrust. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an attack from the left.
10.Shihogiri - Four Direction Cutting. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling four approaching attackers.
11.Sogiri - Complete Cuts. Five different and complete cuts. Commencing from a standing position.
12.Nukiuchi - Sudden Draw. Avoid, then respond to an attack from the front. Commencing from a standing position. |
