Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Iaido - AJKF Official Forms

AJKF Official Forms

Dojo that are affiliated with the All Japan Kendo Federation, generally begin practice with these twelve forms or seitei-gata before going on to teach any 'classical' forms of iaidō that may also be included in their curriculum.

1. Mae (前?). Front. Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling a frontal attack.
2. Ushiro (後ろ?). Rear. Commencing from a kneeling position, forestalling an attack from the rear.
3. Ukenagashi (受け流し?) Receive, Parry and Cut. Commencing from a kneeling position, parrying an attack from the left.
4. Tsuka-ate (柄当て?). Striking with the Hilt. Commencing from a raised knee, seated position, forestalling two attackers, front and rear.
5. Kesagiri (袈裟切り?). Diagonal Cut. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an approaching attacker.
6. Morote-zuki (諸手突き?). Two-Hand Thrust. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, two in front and one behind.
7. Sanpōgiri (三方切り?). Three Direction Cut. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling three approaching attackers, one each to the right, left and front.
8. Ganmen-ate (顔面当て?). Hit to the Face. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling two approaching attackers, front and rear.
9. Soete-zuki (添え手突き?). Joined Hand Thrust. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling an attack from the left.
10. Shihōgiri (四方切り?). Four Direction Cutting. Commencing from a standing position, forestalling four approaching attackers.
11. Sōgiri (総切り?). Complete Cuts. Five different and complete cuts. Commencing from a standing position.
12. Nukiuchi (抜き打ち?). Sudden Draw. Avoid, then respond to an attack from the front. Commencing from a standing position.