Sasha, February 2012 Iaido Shinsa, NJIT

[@mariofischer5437]

This video has been sort of a benchmark for me over the last few years. Finaly made it to nidan myself. Thanks for sharing and keep practicing.

[@Dave8972]

Mario: That's so cool! Happy you made it to nidan! This video is a special one to me as well. Sasha is awesome, of course. But this video seemed to be one that got really popular. Glad it could inspire you. Good luck in your practice! :D

[@gabrieldillon11]

The entire movement is so smooth, like a well oiled machine, in particular the resheathing of the sword. Sasha never loses focus the entire time, head straight forward, eyes locked, extremely well done and beautiful to watch

[@Ml-xq8nt]

She looks incredibly graceful and focused. I'm not a martial artist by any means, but the respect these forms show for the traditions of the sword are inspirational. I collected a few swords, and I treat them well, but this makes me consider taking classes.

[@inlovewithkarate29]

Thank you for showing the begining and the end of the video by recording the details. I too believe it is important.

[@drumking241]

As someone whos best friend back in school took Japanese martial arts and showed me a few proper basic movements of drawing striking returning, etc. Let me say, that was absolutely beautiful!

[@syrusgen3306]

She is clean, concise, and measured.. Not a surprise she passed.

[@camerondenchfield8529]

i am an Iaido practitioner and i really enjoy it and it still suprises me how calm a combative art Iaido is. i love Ganmen-ate it is my favourite kata.

[@Dave8972]

Thanks, Cameron! Ganmen-ate is one of my least favorite. I have lots of trouble with the turning.

[@brocris13]

in our Dojo (Kyumeikan Kendo here in Japan) we have kids as early as 5 doing their training, their parents believe it is an integral part of the discipline and character development

[@hishamelfiki8111]

she looks great.

[@Saavik256]

This was beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

[@josephcosta8560]

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm a student of muso shinden ryu as well, and it's always nice to get to see someone else of a higher rank performing a variety of kata.

[@FrankOKellyIrlande]

Excellent, thank you for sharing, and well done to your friend Sasha.

[@thejaymanx111]

I do not know who the young lady is, but to see such beauty combined with such skill and precision is an honor. Thank you for sharing this.

[@aquilae5]

absolutely beautiful so silent,respectful and calming perfect

[@Tomsense76]

Nice and slow. Very controlled and precise. A++!

[@suavevalen]

This is so beautiful and graceful to watch. Thank you for sharing.

[@colinsmith6116]

She was really good to watch. Her movements were so graceful and well timed. I can only imagine that she must have passed.

[@Vlka_Fenryka]

That was beautiful, the silence of it made is perfect.

[@lukep8171]

Skill and discipline that honors the art well done

[@gabrielgovendo6089]

So beautiful! Super clean. Her concentration is really inspiring.

[@kaellib]

Her noto is so smooth! Nice work!

[@fatbuddycat]

Great sportsmanship! You were spot on.

[@williamavery9185]

Such poise, elegance and focus. Just beautiful, well achieved grace. Domo.

[@SeppukuAddict]

Exactly what my sensei said to me on my first day, about a year ago. I'm glad I kept it up. Getting my first iaito within the next few months.

[@shannono8397]

Well done, great video. Amazing skill and focus.

[@almagroriano]

Very impressive! Much harmony!

[@manny75586]

I was going to say the same thing. Very elegant in her movement but still powerful and controlled.

[@jean-marcprimault9707]

Le semé,toujours l’action du semé ! Beaucoup de décalage entre l’action et le mestuke . Félicitations

[@runswithwonder6426]

i really do appreciate Iaido when i was younger i studied kendo but i always wanted to learn Iaido now days i spend most of my time studying shotokan

[@bt5samurai]

It was a pleasant display ...well done Sasha San you sent chills

[@stevenbolstridge596]

Very good video. This is a different style to the Iaijutsu I practice (MJER), but I really enjoyed it. It's great to see so many different styles of Iaijutsu showcased on KZbin.

[@muspillius]

Beautiful video. Thanks for posting.

[@Dragon_Peterson]

Beautifully done!

[@MyKarateca]

great focus!

[@jeanmarcsagnes6410]

Fantastique Sacha le geste est fluide, magnifique et très agréable à regarder.

[@happydragon5077]

Very very good, especially at the end when she kept her stare looking forward while placing the sword and cords on the ground. Notice the man beside her, he looked down while arranging the cords of the sheath.

[@robcolson5556]

happydragon5077 This is setei to rei, so you are allowed to look at the sword on the ground. For shinden koryu to rei, you would be correct. It's not a mistake in seitei not to look, but as it's not required, it's also not really advisable not to look - a fumble is a mistake. Very nice for Nidan, Sasha. Well done.

[@happydragon5077]

Rob Cheeses Thanks for that information....I and I suspect lots of others didn't know that. I guess that even proves that lady really trained hard....since she is so confident and ahead of her level.

[@komarithsoth422]

Thanks very much Sasha

[@Dave8972]

@TheMe: In my style (muso jikiden eishin ryu) it is encouraged that new/beginning students use an iaito (unsharpened blade, same weight as "real"). Eventually we "upgrade" to a shinken (live blade), but it is not a requirement unless one tests for fourth dan.

[@nickashton3584]

know nothing about this art. the Lady incredibly composed and graceful

[@Afrosamurai1066]

Congratulations Sasha, I know the difficulty in preparing yourself mentally and physically. Over coming your nerves is probably the most difficult thing, but it looks as if you mastered it quite well. I, myself have recently (June) passed my Sandan here in France. Until recently I didn't know there was a dojo of iai in NJ. Keep up the good work.

[@jeffchagrin3563]

She's amazing! great form

[@zenzylok]

Fascinating posture and technique.

[@Dave8972]

@Konotani I don't know if there are set times (in aikido, there are hour/day requirements). But speaking from a practical standpoint, most people are encouraged to test for their first rank (usually third kyu) after a few months. And we test twice a year, so shodan can probably be reached in a year and a half. As I recall, the nidan test must be at least one year after shodan. But I'll let a AUSKF iaido instructor chime in with more details...

[@adaikonen]

I just started Iaido (Muso Shinden Ryu) and she executes everything very well but some small fine points are different here than how we are taught. I wonder why. It could just be that I am just a beginner and it's the angle of the shooting but some finer points are just tiny bit different. (Btw her stance is so nice and she looks really regal because of how well she keeps her back straight.)

[@Dave8972]

I've noticed some differences between styles. But I often wonder if that's a difference in the style, or the student. Or maybe just my powers of observation. :)

[@staninfire1]

Great demonstration of correctness and obedience,respect and enjoyed it.

[@nikonrulz]

What an elegant woman, superb work.

[@mhmmdtaufik7228]

happy new year's

[@sirkredab]

Beautiful done. Congratulations

[@premshah73]

I've only been studying seitei iaido for nine months. Reached soete tsuki but have much to improve on. Her technique looks very good. Great zan shin and no wobble at end of kirioroshi or chiburi. Stuff I'm still working on!

[@sphinx0lution]

wow Sasha! love your kata and hairstyle; neat performance; thx 4 sharing

[@GunnySGT1911]

An amazing performance. Good work.

[@Wayoutthere]

The armchair samurai are always amusing in these comments.

[@luuk341]

@@coadacatalin4510 How bad is it that I understood all those references?

[@coadacatalin4510]

@@luuk341 nothing bad about being a man of culture.

[@HankMcGurk]

It is appropriate for you to wield a chainsaw with such grace. The cutting is only a means to an end. The whole of life is Art. Enjoyed and appreciated best with an edge.

[@artemisia2002us]

Excellent performance!

[@SilentAdventurer]

Beautiful

[@ACoustaDC]

Great posting. I love how good she is and that she stuck it out to Nidan! Has she achieved her Sandan now? The Chinese have us beat with flash and glitz, but there is nothing as smooth and beautiful as Japanese sword. Her instructor must be proud of her accomplishments!

[@Dave8972]

+ACoustaDC I don't know what rank she is now. I assume sandan. I've been a bit out of touch with the iaido community for a while. :( If I see her at the next seminar, I'll ask.

[@ACoustaDC]

David Norton Thank you for the update!

[@Dmanning11]

Very very nice... The silence is golden in your draw

[@Techies0]

I would have to agree with you Dave, every art has their particular teachings. If you've ever trained in multiple arts you experience this constantly. Currently I'm involved in Jikishinkage Naginata in which we facilitate a technique called mizu guruma, a men cut which is also used to switch from dominant to weak hand. This technique in our school is very particular about an almost parallel transfer of the naginata to our bodies while ending up in full hanmi.

[@ZiggZagger420]

Nice job so smooth and peaceful

[@Dave8972]

CJInv... I practice at Long Island Aikikai in Bay Shore, NY. Which is a "sister dojo" of Ken Zen Institute in NYC.

[@joeperez8645]

She looked amazing. While this happened a long time ago, I hope she has continued her training in the Way of the Sword.

[@anas-432]

The woman got samurai gracefull movement, great form.

[@illegal_waffles]

Fascinating and beautiful.

[@cimajeenvet]

Her moves were beautifully organized from head to toe . A "noto" is , yes it means "re-sheathing the sword" and in Japanese it is "納刀", it took me a while to comprehend it^^

[@stalker1983]

Looked awesome :) Love seeing other types/styles of Iaido/iaijutsu than my own :D

[@gooberboyxdd323]

This is all wrong. I’ll have you know I watched over 37283728 anime’s and she didn’t even do a single backflip or sword spin. Disgraceful

[@EngMorvan]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@mountainwolf1]

I agree with mr.ichi nice form i too am pleased to see a woman practice the old ways.

[@Astral_Ocelot]

I am not personally fully interested in Iaido, but I have much respect for her deep training and respect for the sword. I am a possible future Kendo practitioner, and I love all Japanese arts.

[@MrCmon113]

Using a sword as a cane for dancing is not respecting it. It wants to cut flesh, drink blood, sever bones. : 3

[@michaelgraffam5423]

Your understanding of nihonto is very lopsided. A legend tells of the great Masamune, his son, and grandson having a competition to see whom could create the best sword. They worked tirelessly, each forging their very best blades. The test was to place the blades in a stream which had many leaves floating down it, to see how well the swords cut the leaves as they gently floated down the stream. The grandson placed his blade in the stream, and it cut many leaves, but eventually the leaves stacked up and the sword stopped cutting them. The son placed his blade in the stream, and it cleanly cut every single leave without fail. Then the grandfather, Masamune placed his sword in the stream. And the leaves parted, never touching the blade, and the blade not cutting a single one. Many variations on this story exist, which you can read about by googling Masamune. But the underlying point is always the same: They are not blood thirsty.

[@georgettekehdy1539]

Astral Ocelot iwiwowiwk

[@notfeedynotlazy]

I *was* a practisioner of Iaido and, amusingly, specifically Muso Shinden Ryu. It was interesting noticing what she did different, or not, from what I was taught. Among the differences, we were taught to do the actual cutting and turning-to-face movements a bit faster than she does. Likely a matter of our sensei wishing to emphatise that those were the points where speed *would* be necessary. But then again, every instructor I've ever had taught to do the katas in a slightly different way. That's why I mentioned "different" and not "wrong".

[@ericcheng3143]

I like these katas because: Dont spend to much time in seiza (knee position) and are brief. Keeping short the katas is a good idea. They promote the handling of the katana in basic attacks but dont show enough evasion and blocks as expected.

[@rullmourn1142]

Disciplined and graceful Sasha.

[@LOTR776]

Very good job!I´m just a humble beginner practicioner,but I do think she did a good work,congratulations! :-)

[@cozytube5748]

very nice, well done

[@tampakendoclub]

Now, I want to learn Iaido..... I like her intense focus...

[@Techies0]

On the other hand I've seen other schools vary with their angles, end in a han hanmi and many other things which don't reflect the style of my teaching. These are just the particulars of the school and if you ask the sensei they most always have reasons which their sensei taught to them as well. What you learn is the art, and art has variations - the basics are never basic, I'm sure after all these years what we practice the most is still the first cut we've ever been taught.

[@PeterMasalski93]

Do I challenge her to get my Shura ending?

[@jeanpierreraouljallet9108]

Wonderfull !

[@sashiaraa]

I haven't seen anyone below 5th dan use a shinken... whether that is out of personal preference or not, I'm not sure. I find that my iaito is sharp enough. I drew blood many times before I got used to the the length!

[@jensoldeland3087]

didn´t she forget the chiburi at 3:00 ? Kata 6 ?

[@derechnet]

Jens Oldeland She's done it at 2:46.

[@jensoldeland3087]

***** Ah, yes, sorry, I was not expecting the short one. Thanks!

[@Johnwalter88]

@Johnwalter88 finer points of the Kendo Renmei seitei kata,but this looks very well done.Had trouble posting,sorry for the double post.

[@brucemcdonald8123]

Simply beautiful.

[@paulakreinberg1448]

Very beautiful and graceful.

[@alexanca2814]

Very graceful ! she's helluva kenshin!

[@The_Wookiee]

Most schools admit this is more of a flourish than a practical aspect. In reality you would also have a cloth or paper to more effectively clean the blade before noto, then when you get home you clean it properly, no one wants rust inducing blood on their sword or inside their saya.

[@tarnshadowhawk]

The expense of traditional blades comes somewhat from the fact that each stage, forging, polishing, hardware, and sheath, is made by at least four different masters. See my previous post.

[@kitersrefuge7353]

I will never argue with anyone that owns a sword.

[@Johnwalter88]

Nice job!Very good zanshin and composure,very strong posture.I train Nakamura Ha Toyama Ryu Iai Battodo,so im not very familiar with the finer points of the Keno

[@acelee632]

Definately 2-dan level, but there are a few things I would work on if I were Sasha. It looks like the sword "carries her weight" after cuts, and she is leaning slightly forward from the center of balance. Noto could use some work too. btw, the all japan kendo federation requires the same amount of years as the dan before testing for the next one. (1-dan > 2-dan: 1 year, 2-dan > 3-dan: 2 years, etc)

[@delvesdg]

Very well done.

[@Retsugema]

My name is Kairo Seijuro 27.. 17th Successor to Jupon Mitsurugi Ryu a muti-form circular from-saya style ...now this really takes me back.....though I started when I was 9 I was quite ecstatic about (at the time i often refered to it as playing) But not intending to disrespect in any way was curious when she started though the mae kata is more of a ceremonial warm-up of etiquette than what master hiko brought me in to though a bit similar.

[@TheRealBoof]

absolutely beautiful

[@marctremblay8087]

Nice balance and focus

[@khanhnguyenphi6416]

Beauty and the Sword

[@paulvanappeven3340]

Wow super. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheMeJustMe75]

Are all Iaido training done with a dull bladed katana or do some schools use a "live" blade? I study a traditional kendo style which we use both katana and wakizashi. The sensei I study under has us use "live" blades. I'm a red belt and close to getting my black and I haven't cut myself yet. I love the samurai style of swordsmanship out of any the worlds societies styles. Studying kendo is a dream come true for me!

[@Dave8972]

3FLYTE: I don't know the minimum age for training in kendo. If you're interested, you might want to contact your local dojo (if there's one in your area). But I've heard of kids practicing as young as 10.

[@beefsoda1]

I don't know what she's doing but I'd guess doing the moves in form and in step. A test..

[@secondstarllc]

Good job!

[@alejandromarante2104]

Great! I´m a MSR practitioner as well. She is amazing, your friend. Ganbatte!

[@unrussleablejimmies4428]

Idk if previously stated, but again thanks for sharing. Seeing a woman preform these kata helps me understand that I completely lack a proper poise when draw. 😑

[@Dave8972]

Normally, one practices in bare feet. And the rules for competition and testing explicitly state that. But, in some cases (with approval of the judges), one can wear socks (or a Japanese equivalent).