View source for Iaijutsu

==Etymology==
''[[Battojutsu]]'' is an older name for ''iaijutsu''. Historically, it is unclear when the term "iaijutsu" originated. It is also unclear when techniques to draw [[katana]] from the [[Saya (scabbard)|scabbard]] were first practiced as a dedicated form of exercise. The Japanese sword has existed since the [[Nara period]] (710–794), where techniques to draw the sword have been practiced under other names than "iaijutsu".<ref name="draeger1980">Draeger, Donn F. and Smith, Robert W. (1980) '' Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts''. London: Kodansha International. Page 102-103. {{ISBN|978-0-87011-436-6}}.</ref> The term "iaijutsu" was first verified in connection with [[Iizasa Chōisai Ienao]] (c. 1387 – c. 1488), founder of the school [[Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū]].<ref name="draeger1973">Draeger, Donn F. (1973)'' Classical Bujutsu - The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan''. Weather Hill. Page 71. {{ISBN|978-0-8348-0233-9}}.</ref><ref name="draeger2005">Draeger, Donn F. (2005) Japanese Swordsmanship. Boston: Weather Hill. Page 79-80. {{ISBN|978-0-8348-0236-0}}.</ref>