Iaido ( way of the sword ) is a Classical Japanese Martial Art, part of the Japanese Budo, using live blade swords known as the Shinken, a master piece in itself. Today most Iaido practitioners use the Iaito sword, for daily practice, which is an identical copy of the Shinken but not having such a razor sharp blade, also identical in weight and balance, still a personal valuable piece to the practitioners. Iaido is concentrated on the quick and precise drawing of the sword from the scabbard (Nukitsuke), quick and precise and smooth cutting (Kiritsuke), removing the blood from the blade (Chiburi) and returning it back into the scabbard (Noto). The practitioner returns to his starting position while the eyes are still on the opponent and yet the practitioner is aware of other possible dangers.

It is practiced mostly as solo (altough most of the Iaijutsu styles also include paired sections), with the practitioner wearing a Hakama and the Iaito or Shinken, (both are more commonly called Katana), worn on the left hip, wearing no other protective body armor. During practice full concentration is needed to achieve the power and control of the body and mind. It was developed and used for an all defensive situations both in battles and situations such as sudden attacks from a number of persons (in the center of a crowd), an ambush in dark places and in a countless number of positions and situations. The term "Iai" is taken from the Japanese phrase: Tsune ni ite, 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.  As one masters the art of Iaido in the brackets of the classical tradition of the Japanese Budo, one can be described as the ultimate swordsman with the unique ways of the logical, accurate and natural strong, swift and smooth movements, with the Shinken always ready to be drawn from the scabbard from any angle or position.

Iaido is rewarding to the Budo practitioners, in the fact that it helps the practitioners to find the correct movement (foot work), posture, balance and control, under full concentration. Most Iaido Practitioners today start with the standard form of Iai, which is called Seitei Iai or Seitei Gata and then later continue their studies in a Koryu (Older Style). Many styles also include Tameshigiri (test cutting with a live blade).