Japanese martial art demonstration and workshop
Laido, the way of preparedness, or the art of the first strike
As part of our second year history Middle Kingdoms module Dr Darren Aoki organised a demonstration and workshop of Iaido (the way of preparedness, or the art of the first strike). It can be traced back to samurai battles of the medieval period, but started fully to develop as a martial art after the grand pacification of Japan in the 1600s.
This was a unique opportunity for students to witness this relatively unknown martial art - at once graceful and powerful. The demonstration was conducted by Miss Ai Suzuki, 5th dan (master grade) swordswoman from Kyoto, Japan. After the demonstration when students literally, heard the blade slice the air, Miss Suzuki ran an informative workshop for students.