How to Draw Samurai Swords

One of the most well-known Japanese martial arts is iaijutsu, or the art of drawing a katana and cutting in a single motion to prevent an attack. It often exists as a complement to techniques with the sword already drawn. The structure of the katana and sheath makes iaijutsu an exacting sword art to practice. Without correct technique for drawing the sword, a practitioner could get seriously injured or damage the sword.

Things You'll Need

  • Iaito practice sword
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the sheath through the left side of your obi, or belt. Orient the sword so that the end of the hilt points inward toward the center of your body.

    • 2

      Place your right hand on the hilt next to the handguard. Grip the hilt tight with your little finger and ring finger, loosening your grip for each successive finger.

    • 3

      Place your left hand on the sheath with your left thumb resting on the guard.

    • 4

      Push with your left thumb so the sword eases out of the sheath.

    • 5

      Pull the handle with your right hand. Avoid scraping the edge against the inside of the sheath; although you should be using an iaito and not a live blade for safety purposes, you should treat every sword as though it had an edge.

    • 6

      Twist the sword and sheath to direct the edge away from your body as you continue the draw. The edge should be directed completely outward by the time your right arm reaches full extension. The end of the hilt should be even with an imaginary attacker's throat.

    • 7

      Pull back on the sheath to remove it from the sword blade. As soon as the sword clears the sheath, continue the sword's cutting path as a horizontal slice across the throat. Focus on making a slicing motion, generating most of your power by rotating your upper body.

    • 8

      Stop the sword when your right arm points 45 degrees to the right and the sword points directly forward.