Iaido is a Japanese martial art that is based around the sword and the techniques that train participants to remove a katana from its sheath, strike down an opponent, wipe the blood from the sword and replace it in its sheath in one smooth motion.

Iaido is intended to be performed by one person against one or more imaginary opponents. Iaido does not necessarily include cutting techniques. It is more concerned with the motions: unsheathing and re-sheathing the sword.

The intent of Iaido is to react quickly to an attacker from a variety of positions. People who practice Iaido must be able to draw their sword and fend off an attack quickly. Starting positions can vary. You can begin from a combat stance or from casual standing or sitting positions.

Iaido includes many forms of Japanese swordsmanship, all of which are intended to be non-combative. People who practice this skill against other humans do not use actual blades. They usually use wooden blades and wear a great deal of protective gear. People who practice alone use blades against imaginary opponents.