Yosoichi Sato (佐藤 四十一), Hakone Demo Uncut

[@Flashback_Jack]

ONE MILLION VIEWS! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! 100万ビュー！ すごい！

[@31bank]

You know this gentleman is master class the moment you notice his movements are so precise that your body stops doing the sitting leg shake and your mind focuses right away.

[@sw733]

Absolutely a treat to watch!!! I have watched this over countless times and I still can't get enough of this!!! Thanks again for posting it in entirety!

[@Flashback_Jack]

I regret you feel that way. True ways of war don't always resemble the flashy, surgical precision found in the movies. Careless execution consisting of raw speed, superfluous movements and visceral screaming are often used to hide the inadequacies of both the practictioner and the practice in which they are engaged. There is measure, power, ceremony and precision in the iaido seen in this video. Shown is the highest example of a utilitarian martial art. It is simple, effective and direct.

[@carlbowman3366]

Every time I see him it sends shivers down my spine. Every move is flawless, each strike precise with not a centimeter more motion then necessary . I hope to be that good one day.

[@Qwentar]

"than necessary"

[@GopalKumar-yv6rb]

His

[@ihealya5174]

Impeccable is the only word I can think of about Sato sensei's performance. The suwariwaza on kata 3 is so perfect that I couldn't believed what I just saw. I train in Aikido and we do a lot of suwariwaza as a part of our koryu but I've never seen anyone did or doing it so perfect like Sato sensei.....

[@melqisedeq]

Unrivaled demonstration. I'm excited.

[@ruicanuck]

Thank you for this. I do not practice iai, but enjoy witnessing unobstructed flow of force/energy in any art - from tai chi to opera. Sato Sensei is clearly a true master. Such balance, such quiet presence that shits/turns/cuts without any tension. Simply amazing.

[@alfred8602]

To me, this is Iaido in it's purest display, the focus, determination and convincing techniques are overwhelming to me.

[@Flashback_Jack]

In as few words as I can manage, he's demonstrating sword skill from essentially the least opportune positions (aside from laying down of course) -- seated and with the sword sheathed. This is classical Japanese sword drawing. Iaido is performed slowly in most cases, only because it's most difficult doing so. This requires incredible amounts of fine motor skills. It can be done quickly too and is often demonstrated that way. It's certainly no dance. This is real and downright deadly. :)

[@H4hT53]

Firstly: wow. Just: wow. Secondly: The word "uncut" in the title of a iaido video has a certain kind of delicious irony.

[@ChristophePeytier]

Yes. Defeats the purpose :)

[@kyoshiswordsman]

very nice demonstration , from one who is extremely adept at his art ,one of the nicest and most sincere demonstrations of mjer, i have seen on youtube , thank you very much

[@nikka001]

所作の美しさに見蕩れるばかり…。 １０分の動画があっという間でした。 それにしても、四十一っていい名前だなぁ。

[@voxfiresb]

Beautiful video! Such concentration, you can almost feel the Zanshin coming through the screen. I hope to be this good one day, I’ve still a long way to go before then.

[@CombatMedicTM]

Just because you are unable to understand what an incredible amount of skill Iaido takes, does not mean that you have to become disrespectful. You just made a fool out of yourself with that comment. As a Iaidoka, I can only watch in awe and try to learn something from this Sensei. Incredible.

[@premshah73]

A masterclass. Thanks for sharing this.It will help me with my training. His cutting is outstanding, particularly his kirioroshi. A dead stop at the end and so controlled.....give me about 40 years and I might get close!

[@philipolson4842]

Took me twelve years for second black, yeah, forty is not out of the question for mastery.

[@MOSAICBLUES]

Great interpretation of some MJER Shoden and Chuden sets. After 11 or 12 years of practicing MJER I am just beginning to understand a few slivers of it. I need more, much more practice, and this kind of example is very inspiring. THank you for posting this !

[@jhenrylee3798]

No words. Respect.

[@sfurei]

I absolutely love it. I wish there are more videos of him. I'm starting to learn the chuden set and this video really helps me when I'm at home and can't ask my sensei right away. His performance is all so pristine and... just amazing! Thank you for posting!

[@VIKUTAAMANWERU83]

BEST IAIDO VIDEO IN ALL THE WEB. THANKS FOR POSTING IT FBJ416!!

[@MrQuest3]

Surely one of the best displays of iaido ever. This sensei has got to be one if not the best on the planet.

[@youtubister]

6:18 - 7:10 Elegant. Beautiful. Sublime.

[@ikotsk]

You’ve got the essence....

[@Flashback_Jack]

Correct. Pommel strike. The stomp is fumikomi and is optional. His opponent is sitting immediately to his right and decides to grab the defender's sword by the handle. The small circular motion is him wrenching it away from his opponent's attempt to grab and the strike is to the face of the opponent. The horizontal cut that follows is to the opponent's right arm just below the shoulder, then he's pulled to the floor and subsequently has is lower back cut through by the defender.

[@legendrebernard2549]

Great Master, great moment and art . Thanks.

[@erdavis7]

Thank you for the explaination! This is certainly makes a lot more sense now.

[@andreas19581]

Große Hochachtung Meister Yosichi Sato, Körper und Geist bilden eine Einheit, volle Konzentration, voller Körpereinsatz. Danke für diese motivierende Vorführung. AnLa - Meister Shotokan und Tai chi /Qi Gong - Germany

[@anthonycongiano8890]

He truly invisions the attackers, he turns his head and locates where the opponent would be then he strikes, ferociously, using forms... fantastically well done.

[@louislamonte334]

Beautifully done! How wonderful it would be to study under a master like he is in Japan one day!

[@gomcse]

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@Krooks44]

I went to my first Iaido class last night, and now have an even higher appreciation for the art form. Its not until you have a katan, or in my case a bokken in your hands, and doing the waza thatl you come to have a true sense of how every move has a purpose. It is truly an art form to be respected...

[@iai_dude7299]

So...did you stick with iaido?

[@KUMASANanimation]

Thanks for uploading this!

[@cesarvidelac]

Yes! I commented it a few minutus ago, but I saw it right after this video. Thanks again!! Keep posting! My best regards! :)

[@Flashback_Jack]

@MrPW2009 The okuden wasn't included in the material I have, so I'm afraid not. Would have been cool to see though.

[@mojothemigo]

Thank you for spelling that out. I kinda thought that was the case, but it's good to have it pointed out.

[@gelidien]

There is a presence about this man, even with his sword sheathed, the sheer amount of focus and discipline in his eyes. I am mesmerized by the co-ordination and grace he displays, The perfect arc he makes with his blade, no hesitation just grace and experience...he feels at peace with his form. Its truely stunning.

[@vantoannguyen9147]

far you

[@2piecesofwood1pieceofrope]

Mushin. No mind no ego. Fully present.

[@Flashback_Jack]

One needs at least ten years in a good iaido dojo to begin to have glimpses of what makes performances like the one in this video special.

[@Fenrir133]

Many thanks for uploading! Tate Hiza Nobu done so effortlessly. Pure zanshin indeed...

[@cliffburnett9488]

Staggering. Absolutely staggering. The precision. The concentration. The focus. Sublime. Rei.

[@Flashback_Jack]

Anyone with slightly better than average coordination can achieve this with enough practice, research and thought. The problem is, most perform miserably right out of the gate, unable to satisfy the primary requirement -- actually showing up to practice.

[@sterlingmoore6032]

Very well-executed. Precise and focused.

[@drewglassmyer9525]

What an honor to witness your supreme skill, ... magnificent!

[@Flashback_Jack]

I'm glad you enjoy the video. I posted it in direct response to others that had been posted showing only part of the demonstration. One should recognize that in the Japanese arts, the parts immediately preceding and following the waza demonstration are just as important. Rituals showing respect and gratitude are everything in the Japanese arts. Expensive videos. They're around $120 USD and can be purchased from a place called Rakuten. I've updated the description with a link.

[@Flashback_Jack]

Each 'waza' or form you see here describes a certain scenario whereby the swordsman is attacked. Take the form at 6:45 for example: someone approaches him from behind and attempts to grab the end of his scabbard. The swordsman wrenches the sword from the enemy's hand, turns and impales the hapless enemy in the chest with his sword then proceeds to cut him in two, and finally flings the blood from the sword and re-sheathes.

[@sceptre1067]

very nice, thank you for posting this. Agree he is very precise and has nice dynamism too. I practice MSR so I always find the little technical details where it and MSJR differ to be interesting.

[@UseYourHead4NOW6]

it took a while, but now i got it... nice demo ty

[@jeanreno5082]

I've been practicing Iaido for 35 years and martial are for 60 and I am embarrassed to say that I cannot remember seeing such force displayed. In the original book Miyamoto Musashi there was a chapter where Musashi went to visit one of the greatest swordsmen of his time and while walking on the stones of the path to the front of the mans house, it is said, that Musashi suddenly felt such a force of presence that Musashi himself nearly jumped off the path--I felt something similar watching Sato Sensei--someone else said it better that I, "...his kiseme is frightening."

[@gregoryburris6374]

Book of 5 rings?

[@dertodyami]

@@gregoryburris6374 there is a similar plot in Yoshikawa's novel: Musashi walked down a path near a field where an old monk was plowing. Musashi felt a sudden force of pressure from the monk and he jumped off the path but the monk did nothing other than plowing.

[@TONEDEAFSOUND]

bleach took this to an extreme with spiritual pressure and i feel that anime is just an extension of kenjutsu

[@Paceaper1]

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have received an introduction and have found a sensei that has accepted me as a student. I've had a few lessons and plan to continue. I figure I have about ten years until I know what I'm doing and another ten to become something of an expert. Can't wait!

[@gordonhall9943]

I picture Sato sensei every time I do tsukikage. his kiseme is frightening

[@Flashback_Jack]

It's a yearly gathering of former and current all Japan iaido champions, and it's an invite only event. The best of the best attend this gathering each May or so (if I recall). Hakone is in Kanagawa prefecture in mid-Japan. It's a very formal event, given that it takes place at a Shinto shrine, so the event is prefaced by rituals performed by priests.

Thanks saw this couple of years ago, appreciate today. thank you. I miss my sword time to get back discipline the road to freedom of NO FEAR.

[@cesarvidelac]

Thank you very much for sharing this!

[@thewanger]

I think it is disgraceful and rude for the guys in the suits in the background to be moving around. They should be at attention and show respect.

[@g2104005]

+thewanger Maybe they are too exciting :P Just kidding. I guess they are the staff members not iaido practicer

[@dougevans54]

I know what you mean But most taikai in Japan have so much organising in the back ground It’s not meant to be disrespectful Just lots of organising the hachidans It’s a los quieter than the Kyoto Taikai

[@ronin2167]

They are outside the doors though.

[@KenLives333]

Will there ever be new schools of Iaido and why? How long can classical arts survive? As long as they find interprets? Or as long as artists come in to shake the status-quo? Would that even make sense to try and renew this tradition?

[@Qwentar]

It's so fascinating to watch other traditions perform their routines. So much to absorb, figure out, try to understand...

[@sverrekvernmo]

Beginner's question: Why break the unsheathing and the blow into two motions, like he does at 3:43?

[@CraigHocker]

+Sverre Kvernmo In this instance, he is expressing a particular timing. He is timing the strike (the second motion) at precisely the right moment his opponent is fully committed but yet exposed, vulnerable. Think about it. Sure you can draw in one smooth motion, but it is not always the case that the moment you realize / become aware of the threat and move that your draw itself will be at the correct time to succeed. So he is expressing the control needed to wait for the right moment. To really do this with conscious awareness is a much higher level than simply making a smooth draw. I see students all the time go on autopilot once they start to move. To choose with the precision he is doing here - very nice.

[@ronin2167]

He's waiting to see what his opponent is going to do. He is basically displaying his blade showing he is ready. There's something similar in MJER in a waza called Ukenagaeshi. You see the guy coming from your side....you draw your sword just out to the end of your knee with a short pause as you turn to look at your opponent. This is to sort of lure the opponent in and then you do a horizontal block as the opponent does a vertical cut, his blade slides down the side of yours in a parry and then you cut.

[@gordonhall9943]

awesome! one of the best I've seen.

[@willlatino]

mikka-love what you said!! agree 1000 percent!!! western should learn from those we constantly criticized. I have experience in visiting Japan and practice several time when I go for my testing and I would say is good to imitate those good habits. as there is a saying: "cleanliness is close to godliness" as intelligent being-as per some- is good to adapt those good manner. even though, some(westerners) will criticize.

[@TayloringSwiftly]

show respect. Japan is the Mecca of the art of the samurai sword. This is not intended to be flashy.

[@MicPowell]

So that justifies being Supremacist in thinking and promoting cultural supremacism. Yes Japan has some claims but is not the North African or Moorish Sword also Ni To! I respect the origin of Japanese contributions but I am not Japanese so don't try to insult me with supremacist assimilation! If what you are teaching is currently unsound, but you insist that is Iaido you are a cultural supremacist! Note how that slander has not been the direction Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Fo, Karate, Aikido, and countless other martial arts have taken because they realized this fact!

[@Ussnar1]

Of course ... I already am a Kobudo student .. and our Hanshi is very skilled with Iado ... Thanks for your reply .

[@00Tenrai00]

Simlpy awe-inspiring, is it possible to take classes under the guidance of Sato sensei?

[@claudioperrote]

Yosoichi Sato san es un gran maestro de Iaido, nada sobra, nada falta, limpio puro, menos siempre es mas.

[@ithila6712]

Exquisite. I am in awe.

[@insanemoose16]

His technique is flawless. I really wish I could practice Iaido one day, for the only thing close to that is Kendo, of which I were a student for almost a year. But Iaido is truly a beautiful way to use the japanese sword. Any idea what dan is Mr. Yosoichi Sato?

[@Flashback_Jack]

Get thee to a dojo. You've got options in Thailand. Only thing to determine is if those options are close enough to follow up on.

[@insanemoose16]

He's an 8th dan? Impressive, explains the smoothness of his katas. Thank you. :)

[@gregcon57]

I cannot watch this enough times. Magnificent display, IMO.

[@MrPW2009]

Sato Sensei was recently awarded Hanshi

[@Flashback_Jack]

Somehow I missed this message, but that's awesome! Congrats to him and thanks for sharing the news!

[@mickparly]

Extreme perfect and filled with awareness and aestetichs. How can can anyone write: Anyone can do that. Awarereness/consciouness is for me to see the mainpoint. Not how much armor he can cut. If he is doing his movements perfect and full of awareness, then he have fullfilled his Budo.

[@MicPowell]

How come this your champion of perfection can't produce a single drawing cut, he is good at formality and protocol but due to the cultural supremacists running Iaido these days kata have become novelties and fantasies of choreography and ritual, and have been robbed of theory and praxis!

[@MicPowell]

Mick; I didn't mean champion in the titled sense but as an exemplar of what some may as in many of the comments suggest as an ideal. Back to understanding Iaido in the particular, a Buddhist saying comes to mind; The Buddha hung out mutton but he only sold dog meat! In other words some look at or teach Iaido kata as sure fire win killer techniques. This I think is false teaching. A sound kata is only about how to take the initiative, equalize or achieve an unclear position. To me this is not about killing in that Iaido is like any other martial art, ergo what is a practical course for attack and defense. This is why I feel many current teachings are misguided. Further to me Iaido is about the contemplation of the honorable man in the context of Zen teachings. If I could afford to post a few videos you would be able to see for your self, but hopefully some day! cheers, Yoroshiku onegai shimashita!

[@MicPowell]

To make an added point if I may, just like in Chess or especially in Go there are sound Joseki, openings and continuations, hence sure fire wins are just the study of tricks and traps which is inferior thinking. Sound kata avoid tricks and traps and take into consideration the opponents optimal move just like chess compositions, if the position says mate in 3 it must be three not 2 or 4. But again if the opponent response soundly there is no kata mate. The magic is that save one Chuden kata all of Muso Ryu can be demonstrated as sound, yet under current teachings this Ninja Turtle sure fire win mentality has crept into the system which is why I am concerned to publish my reevaluations! Thanks again!

[@MrQuest3]

One of the best if not the best on the planet

[@kicenter]

Dear-FBJ416, thanks for posting this video. I always watch this video and every time I feel I am seeing it first time. thanks again. I would like to ask you about the whole event video. where could I have it. Arigato Gozaimsu.

[@MikeWalters884]

Very Inspiring showing years of total dedication .

[@Telliria]

Thank you for letting me know. I usually travel at least once a year to Hakone and thought it would be nice if it coincided with a iaido event. It will take some years though before I can count myself to that select group. =) Again, thank you for sharing this video. It is always inspiring to see great iaidoka performing showing that budo is the journey of a life time. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.

[@davericos]

Wow! you can feel the state of mind he's into, the perfect control over his motions and the peaceful mind in his sword. There's only one thing that intrigues me: why is he cutting with his hands that close? i've been taught to have one hand of space in the handle, of course it's not iaido what i have practiced (maybe it's different?).

[@LeviAlvesdf]

Máximo respeito por esta cultura.

[@christianv-h3278]

I'm not sure I really understand what Yotoichi Sato is doing at 4:48 and 6:49; he seems to be attacking without having unsheathed the shinken. Can you explain what this represents? Thanks for any help

[@Flashback_Jack]

The Japanese sword is considered as much as a weapon unsheathed as well as sheathed; 4:48, he is striking the face of an opponent who is reaching for his sword's handle from a distance of about two body widths away. The circular motion he makes with the handle is him pulling the sword away from the opponent's reach, then up and around, ending in the strike. At 6:49 he becomes aware that an opponent has grabbed hold of the kojiri (end cap of the scabbard), then proceeds to stand up, wrench the scabbard from the opponent's hand before turning and thrusting the blade deep into his chest. He then forcefully pulls the sword out and cleaves the opponent from the top of the head down to the waist as both he and the opponent falls to the ground.

[@christianv-h3278]

+FBJ416 Oh okay. Thank you so much for the detailed explanation!

[@Flashback_Jack]

Christian V-H Cheers.

[@opusjosh]

What is 4:48 called?

[@Flashback_Jack]

This is called Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. This particular strain of the school is found in International Kendo Federation dojos, all ultimately subsets of the All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR). There are plenty of legitimate iaido dojos in the USA, governed by the All U.S. Kendo Federation (AUSKF). Best advice I could give you to help search a dojo out is to visit the kendo-world·com forums and ask around in the iaido forum.

[@deathstrike]

How ridiculous some think its about a show *shakes head* you don't see the subtleties and economy of movement, its designed to actually conserve vital energy in a pitched battle, sword battle rarely last more than a few minutes easily tiring both combatants, subtlety is the name of the game in the ancient samurai simply because your opponent often knew your moves.

[@Flashback_Jack]

Yes. The same may be true of other arts, but I only have iaido to go on since that's what I practice.

[@StevieRaysImprovCo]

Wonderful technique! No flashy costumes. No thumping music. No throwing plastic weapons in the air like batons. Just pure zanshin.

[@cesaraugustovalerahurtado7258]

Que impresionante, definitivamente admiro laq cultura asiática. Occidente tiene mucho que aprender de Oriente, y dejar la estupidez de estar invadiendo a otros países sólo por sus recursos. Aprendamos a vivir en armonía con la naturaleza y nosotros mismos.

[@douglasbrannon6525]

Musahshi killed Kitaro with a boat oar handle. It would seem Kitaro would have been more looking for the overhead strike . As options were more limited to Musahshi it would seem. But Kitaro was already flustered from Musahshi showing up late for the duel.

[@PX125E]

Beautiful thank you

[@Flashback_Jack]

8th dan hanshi, which makes for at least 40 years experience.

[@StudioIskander]

one of the most beautiful performance seen on the tube.

[@ContradictoryNature]

4:47 This sequence intrigues me. Am I correct in assuming that there is a pommel strike to the right involved? I say so because he makes the foot stamp I associate with ippon in kendo, which seems an excessive amount of energy for just clearing the blade from the scabbard. I've never seen that before in iaido, I'm wondering if I'm misunderstanding that motion?

[@rayhallam]

Just to add to that. The main thing that iaido is teaching me is how to go "into the zone", regardless of what is happening around you, how to focus immediately on a single moment, at will, and to carry that moment to its conclusion. It a Zen meditation, at the lower levels we must demonstrate our ability to perform 5 minutes of simple focussed tasks, later grades must perform a much more complex task over more time whilst remaining in he zone. Yosoichi Sato-sensei demonstrates this here.

[@Telliria]

Beautiful display of iaido, thanks for sharing. This seems like a big gathering, what event is this and where in Hakone does it take place?

[@Flashback_Jack]

To most, that's a Pandora's box question. To me it's really quite easy -- as long as a sample performance of either "iaido" or "iaijutsu" look like they can plausibly cut an opponent down, then the distinctions are meaningless. Plausibility is key. Wha'ts more, is that the insane debate about it all tends to come to light once you break the word down into its component characters. To make a long story short, in the traditional arts, the means are the end: DO is JUTSU.

[@Flashback_Jack]

Я думаю, что я понял, что вы сказали. Переводчики не совершенны. Знаете ли вы наслаждаться видео?

[@Flashback_Jack]

@KUMASANanimation It needed to be done. I believe true iaido doesn't merely begin and end at torei, so I thought I'd post the whole video.

[@rimidalvetarak]

I mean just imagine what a horrible day must you have if you actually being forced into situation where all of these movements must be used in order to save your life.

[@FrontManagement621]

I was actually leaning more toward the possibility of surgeons practicing iaido in general. I dabbled in Aikido myself and have to practice on my own though so I've seen how specific arts attract certain types of people.

[@Flashback_Jack]

Yeah, no problem. Did you see the other one I uploaded today?

[@firedagger168]

Thank you for posting...excellent (of course) performance! Unless one trains in Iaido/Iaijitsu, one will not understand how much work/practice is involve in every details. If one is looking for excitement, then go see a Jet Li or Jackie Chan movie. I study Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū ( 無雙直傳英信流) and Toyama Ryu (戶山流) for close to 30 years and still a beginner. Its hard work...☺

[@PX125E]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@Flashback_Jack]

And by the way, take it six months at a time. The statisics are fairly consistent across dojos in that roughly eighty percent of folks that walk through the doors will quit within six months. Of the remaining two, one might practice for years until they get stymied by the inevitable plateau and quit. At most, ten percent of students will make it to yondan, and even less than that will maintain the discipline to make it to rokudan. Of the remaining, only a fraction make it to hachidan.

[@ichimonjiguy]

Nothing is like what you think. Sensei is anticipating attack from any random direction. It's not stroll in the park. He's also fighting back. Everything is in the mind, since a real sword fight means life or death.

[@Paceaper1]

Please let me know what type/school of Iai this is. This video has prompted me to study Iai, and I'm trying to be very careful in finding the right school/style and the right teacher. Your reply is greatly appreciated.

[@Flashback_Jack]

Which is exactly why I posted this video. The ceremony and ettiquette are the essence of the traditional Japanese arts -- all of them. Saho is the shell in which the entire practice is contained; it needs to be performed with as much if not more care than the waza themselves. The other Sato video that was edited to exclude the ettiquette which is wrong in my opinion and I had to correct that since I have the material. This will be the only iaido video on my channel for now, if ever.

[@NemesisAggression]

He is pretty amazing

[@mixmusicarts9592]

The intensity of his stare alone is enough to intimidate any rival opponent...and to the lesser, best he find the nearest exit and flee.