​Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido (Seitei Iaido)

 

Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido, commonly known as Seitei Iaido, is the standardized Iaido style developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). Established in 1952 after the ban on martial arts was lifted in post-war Japan, the AJKF formed a committee of experts to create a unified Iaido curriculum that kendo practitioners could also learn with ease.

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Drawing techniques from classical sword schools such as Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, Muso Shinden-ryu, and Hoki-ryu, the AJKF introduced the original seven kata in 1969. Three more were added in 1981, and two more in 2000, bringing the total to twelve standardized forms, known officially as Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (ZNKR) Iaido or Seitei-gata.

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These forms are now widely practiced for grading, teaching, and competition purposes, making Seitei Iaido the most recognized form of iaidō in Japan and internationally. Most AJKF-affiliated dojos begin with these twelve kata before introducing students to classical Iaido styles.

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​​12 Forms of ZNKR Iaido:

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• Mae (前). Front. Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling a frontal attack.

• Ushiro (後ろ). Rear. Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling an attack from the rear.

• Ukenagashi (受け流し) Receive, Parry and Cut. Commencing from a kneeling position, parrying an attack from the left.

• Tsuka-ate (柄当て). Striking with the Hilt. Commencing from a raised knee, seated position, forestalling two attackers, front and rear.

• Kesagiri (袈裟切り). Diagonal Cut. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an approaching attacker.

• Morote-tsuki (諸手突き). Two-Hand Thrust. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, two in front and one behind.

• Sanpogiri (三方切り). Three Direction Cut. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, one each to the right, left and front.

• Ganmen-ate (顔面当て). Hit to the Face. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling two approaching attackers, front and rear.

• Soete-tsuki (添え手突き). Joined Hand Thrust. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an attack from the left.

• Shihogiri (四方切り). Four Direction Cutting. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling four approaching attackers.

• Sogiri (総切り). Complete Cuts. Five different and complete cuts. Commencing from a standing position.

• Nukiuchi (抜き打ち). Sudden Draw. Avoid, then respond to an attack from the front. Commencing from a standing position.