The beginning of the samurai

This book, intended as a practical manual on iaido, focuses primarily on how to learn the Omori-ryu's katas in accordance with the Muso Shinden-ryu's line work. We will learn them so that we can perform both on our knees -which is the most traditional way- and standing up, which is equally important to know, in order to gain a deeper understanding of them. Additionally, it is essential to be able to perform them anywhere and in any physical condition, as there are many people eager to practice who cannot do so on their knees because they lack physical ability. For this reason, we assess practitioners in our federation by having them perform the katas standing up, so that everyone has the same opportunities. This does not mean, however, that those who wish to and are able to do so, do not have the possibility, in our daily classes and courses, to perform and learn the katas on their knees. These katas are explained in detail, step by step, and accompanied by corresponding photographs so that, whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, you will find a useful guide while practicing, and can thus learn, improve and perfect your technique without any difficulty, as they are all explained in simple, easy-to-understand language by Íñigo Castellano Sepúlveda, technical coordinator and head of the iaido department at the spanish federation of korean martial arts and associated disciplines or FEDAMC and DA (Federación Española de Artes Marciales Coreanas y Disciplinas Asociadas) National Aikido School. Although the book focuses specifically on these katas, readers will also find some basic concepts regarding iaido and information about the school we practice, bows, drawing the sword, sheathing the sword and certain protocols, so that beginners have some supporting…