Videos
Incorporation of the Five Movements in Seiza Mae
Here is a video demonstration from Iwata sensei. Press the CC button for English subtitles. The beginning of the video goes over on seiza (a sitting position), and the incorporation of the basic five movements starts at 1:53 during "The Seated Part: Number One, Front." After demonstrating the form from both the front and the side, individual movements are analyzed and checkpoints are given. Unfortunately, the whole video is not subtitled. The full video without the subtitles can be found on youtube in two parts, with the first part here and the second part here.
Here is a video demonstration from Iwata sensei. Press the CC button for English subtitles. The beginning of the video goes over on seiza (a sitting position), and the incorporation of the basic five movements starts at 1:53 during "The Seated Part: Number One, Front." After demonstrating the form from both the front and the side, individual movements are analyzed and checkpoints are given. Unfortunately, the whole video is not subtitled. The full video without the subtitles can be found on youtube in two parts, with the first part here and the second part here.
"The Secrets of the Samurai Sword"
A well made documentary by NOVA PBS. This is an hour-long video that details the process of sword-making. Interspersed with scenes of modern martial art practitioners and also fictional scenes from feudal Japan, the video follows the sword-making process from selecting and treating materials to forging, polishing, and decorating.
A well made documentary by NOVA PBS. This is an hour-long video that details the process of sword-making. Interspersed with scenes of modern martial art practitioners and also fictional scenes from feudal Japan, the video follows the sword-making process from selecting and treating materials to forging, polishing, and decorating.
Isao Machii, the Modern Samurai
A 3 minute segment from the show "Stan Lee's Superhumans" which originally aired on the History channel, this clip features Isao Machii, a Guinness World Record holding martial artists. His fluidity from years of training is captured in slow-motion as he slices an airsoft gun pellet while it travels through the air. To skip the introduction, start at 1:25.
A 3 minute segment from the show "Stan Lee's Superhumans" which originally aired on the History channel, this clip features Isao Machii, a Guinness World Record holding martial artists. His fluidity from years of training is captured in slow-motion as he slices an airsoft gun pellet while it travels through the air. To skip the introduction, start at 1:25.
Many videos about the sword and Iaido can be found online. To see more videos of the Japanese sword in action, visit the pages of youtube users Kouga Sekido, shachiNT, or kyotoiaidokai. Kouga Sekido has videos of demonstration events and seminars, showing both solo and paired practice techniques. shachiNT's videos mainly focus on mat cutting, showing full practice sessions including footage of both successful cuts and unsuccessful ones. kyotoiaidokai features additional mat cutting videos, and even showcases Nitoryu (literally: two sword style).