01/31/2024
In Iaido, we have both individual and paired kata. Our paired kata are called kumitachi. Paired kata aid students in developing mindfulness and attention to detail, maai,or proper awareness and use of space, the importance of proper timing, and how to respond to or counter a variety of attacks. As you will see in Ippon Mae, the first kumitachi, they begin with the uchidachi, or attacker, calling out the shidachi. The outcome is decided in a couple of brief, decisive movements.