Iaido – the way of the sword – is a martial art originating from kenjutsu. It was developed in the 15th and 16th centuries in Japan as a defense against surprise attacks and enemy raids. The use of weapons was a privilege of the samurai, especially from the 16th century on, when by decree all weapons were confiscated from the people. Kenjutsu, the sword fighting, belonged to the basic training of the samurai. The sword was seen as the “body guard”, from which one never parted. Standing, sitting or lying down – a samurai always had to be prepared to draw their sword and save their life, which, in times of the feudal system, was in constant danger. Under these conditions, the idea that victory would be more effectively gained by a fast surprising action than by a long exhausting fight, quickly spread. Thus, the Japanese fighter perfectioned Iai: the art of drawing the sword and striking the opponent, before the latter could prepare for a fight.

The purpose of iaido was to end an impending attack with one stroke of the sword, if possible. In order to develop an adequate training system, different situations and circumstances of surprise attacks were studied, trying to find a way to use the sword effectively against as many different attacks as possible.

As the fighter's weapon par excellence the sword also takes a place of honour in many religious ceremonies in Japan. Thus Shinto priests, too, founded their own schools of sword fighting.

The practise of this martial art needs a free mind, the utmost concentration and body control. Every movement of the feet, the body and the sword has to be adapted to the movement of the attacker.

According to historical sources Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido was developed about 450 years ago, thus being the second oldest martial art in Japan that is still practiced.

The Founder of Eishin Ryu was Hayashizaki Jinsukee Minamoto Shigenobu, who lived from 1546 to 1621 in what is now the Kanagawa prefecture. Hayashizaki's iaido was given many names because it was passed on from teacher to disciple. However, it forms the basis of the two most important styles of iaido that are still practiced: Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu and Muso Shinden Ryu.

Eishin Ryu has been passed down uninterruptedly, starting with Hayashizaki Jinzuke, up to the todays generation. Most historians agree that the inspiration leading to the name Eishin Ryu originates from the name of the seventh headmaster, Hasegawa Chikaranosuke Eishin.