I found the demonstration of Iaido and tameshigiri, by 18th generation instructor Keisuke Nishimura, absolutely fascinating and I wanted to know more. The performance was like a beautifully choreographed dance.
Iaido is a traditional art of Japanese sword drawing and consists of precise and controlled motion. Training can be solo (kata) forms or partner (kumidachi) forms. Solo forms concentrate on precise drawing, cutting and returning the sword to the scabbard. Kumidachi forms do not use steel swords. Wooden swords called bokuto are used and students learn movements for attack, defense and counterattack.
Tameshigiri relates to the art of test cutting in which tightly rolled mats -- targets made from a material called tatami omote -- are soaked in water for 24-48 hours. Depending upon the skill of the practitioner, the target may contain a dowel or piece of bamboo in the center. The tightly rolled, soaked targets are said to have the density of flesh and the center texture resembles bone.
Following the demonstration, a respectful ceremony is performed to care for the sword before it is put away. Touching the blade leaves behind salts and oils from the skin and can bring about rust. The blade is wiped clean with rice paper and is followed by tapping a powder ball up and down the blade. A clean piece of rice paper is then rubbed over the blade until it is clean and polished.
Keisuke Nishimura, dressed in the traditional Japanese pleated trousers (hakama) with a belt/sash (obi) and a loose fitting shirt (keikogi), came to Springfield with the Nawa-no-Kai group from Iseaki, Japan to share their beautiful traditions with the residents of sister city Springfield.
I will look forward to the 13th annual fall festival next year to learn and photograph the beautiful tea ceremony and the kimono demonstration. But in the mean time, I will continue to visit the peaceful Mizumoto Japanese stroll garden. I have made many memorable images from past visits and know the best images are yet to come.
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