Course Info: OPRA-0117

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. Debated to be the most superbly engineered sword in the world, the katana perseveres in modern times with deep roots in Japanese history. As one of the most popular icons of samurai warriors in feudal battlefields, Iaido reinvents the use of the sword and turns its power inwards as a means of personal precision, refinement, manners, and cutting of the ego in timeless battles that knows no era. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. As a form-based martial art, Iaido is traditionally practiced with no external physical opponents. Its principal function is the analysis, study, and replication of kata (forms), which consist of four primary coordinations: 1.Nukitsuke, drawing cut; 2.Kiritsuke. finishing cut; 3. Chiburi, shaking the blade clean; and 4. Noto, returning the sword to the scabbard. Beginning students will learn these fundamentals and eventually apply them to learning entire schools of kata. (((This is an advancing course - continuing students will progress to more complicated material each semester.))) Instructor permission is required. Uniforms and equipment are provided by the instructor. Instructor permission is granted ONLY in-person during attendance within the add/drop period. REQUESTS FOR EARLY ENROLLMENT BY EITHER HAMPSHIRE OR 5-COLLEGE STUDENTS PRIOR TO THE FIRST CLASS WILL NOT BE HONORED. Class meets in the South Lounge on the 2nd floor of the Robert Crown Center. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.