An iaitō (居合刀) is a Japanese training weapon that resembles a katana and is used for the study of iaido and iaijutsu.
It is employed in various schools of iaido, iaijutsu, kenjutsu, as well as certain styles of aikido and ninjutsu. Some schools have specific models of iaitō with appropriate curvature, weight, and balance tailored to their teachings.
Denomination
In Japan, the most commonly used term to refer to these imitations is mogitō (模擬刀, "imitation sword") outside the context of martial arts study. Within the sword schools, the term iaitō is commonly used. The pronunciation "mozōtō" (模擬刀) is also used, using the same kanji characters as mogito.
In Japan, the term iaitō (居合刀) is also used to refer to any sword (even one made of steel and sharp) intended for iaido practice and often less expensive (with basic polishing) than a collectible sword.
Origin, Materials, and Manufacturing: The majority of Japanese iaitō are manufactured in the Gifu prefecture, a historically significant region for the production of nihonto (traditional Japanese swords) and home to the Mino school, one of the five major Japanese sword schools.
Most iaitō are made of an alloy called "zicral," which is a combination of aluminum and zinc. This alloy has a lower density than the steel used in katana, resulting in a different balance point for the iaitō, closer to the tsuka (handle), compared to the katana's balance point closer to the kissaki (tip). Iaitō are not sharpened and can be used for training with reduced risk. They are not suitable for contact or cutting and cannot be sharpened.
Some iaitō are forged from carbon steel (1045 or T8) and are essentially shinken (sharp swords) with the edge broken or not sharpened. It is very difficult to re-sharpen these swords, and they are prohibited in Japan.
Apart from the blade, the other components of the iaitō, including the kanagu (metal fittings), are similar and sometimes identical to those used on authentic swords. A minimum set of components includes a blade, saya (scabbard), tsuka (handle) made of wood covered with cotton or silk wrapping, two menuki (decorative handle ornaments), a fuchi (collar), kashira (pommel), and a tsuba (guard). The blade is centered within the tsuba by a habaki, a small piece of metal typically made of copper or brass. Each component is crafted by specialized artisans and assembled by hand.
The hamon, the pattern on the blade edge, is achieved through polishing, unlike the hamon of a katana, which is achieved through selective hardening.
Mechanical and Aesthetic Qualities
Iaitō, whether made of steel or zicral, are primarily balanced toward the tsuka (handle) as opposed to shinken (sharp swords), which are usually balanced toward the tip.
This is because martial arts practice mainly focuses on learning fixed forms (katas) performed alone or occasionally with a partner, and sword handling is significantly easier, more precise, and faster with a balance point closer to the hands.
This type of practice is similar to the katana produced during the Edo period, designed for duels without armor and therefore lighter and more maneuverable, whereas older katana intended for cutting through armored opponents had thicker and heavier blades.
Iaitō balanced toward the tip are generally intended for suburi (practice swings in the air) to initiate or refine cutting techniques with a real sword. Both steel and zicral iaitō can have this type of balance.
Choosing the appropriate length and weight of the iaitō in relation to the practitioner's size and strength is crucial for performing precise actions without injuring oneself, such as a noto (returning the sword to the scabbard).
To facilitate sword handling, the balance of the iaitō is on the tsuba (guard) instead of the kissaki (tip). The selection of an iaitō should be done under the guidance of a qualified instructor in the specific sword school one wishes to practice.
Although less dangerous than a sharp sword, the iaitō still possesses a significant thrusting capability due to its sharp point.
The aesthetic aspect of the iaitō is highly valued by practitioners of Japanese martial arts due to its symbolism and associated rituals. That is why various iaitō manufacturers place great importance on adhering to centuries-old codes in the craftsmanship of Japanese swords.
Legislation
In Japan, all training iaitō, without exception, are made of aluminum-zinc alloy. Japanese law prohibits the manufacturing and carrying of bladed weapons, and the import, production, or possession of a sharp or potentially modifiable sword.
Nihonto, authentic sharp katana, are an exception to this rule and are categorized as art objects (only made by certified swordsmiths) as long as they are registered with the local police. These laws led to the creation of aluminum iaitō, which became the only viable training tool.