The term "Iai" is taken from the phrase "Tsune ni itte, kyu ni awasu". The meaning of this is, whatever we may be doing or wherever we may be, we must always be prepared for any eventuality. Through the sword we seek to improve our spirit and become better people, to promote peace and good feeling beyond the walls of the Dojo and into our daily lives. There are many styles of Iai, many ways to cut, to move, and as one learns one improves technically. However, we practice not only to learn techniques, but also to cultivate the heart and spirit, and in this respect, all "styles" lead to the same goal. One must bear in mind the higher goals to achieve and take each step and overcome each obstacle, but at the same time, though the path may be a difficult one to follow, one must relish and enjoy the challenges.Haruna Matsuo Nanadan Kyoshi Approximately "the way of mental presence and immediate reaction", is a Japanese martial art associated with smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard or saya, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard or saya. At Nashville Iaido, we practice the Musō Jikiden Eishin Ryū iaido - 無雙直傳英信流 - "peerless, directly transmitted, style of Eishin" it is the most widely practiced style of iaido in Kansai, Japan.Eishin-ryū claims an unbroken history of about 450 years, making it one of the oldest existent martial art forms in Japan.