Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing, cutting, and resheathing the katana. Originating from the practices of ancient samurai warriors, it was a skill honed for self-defense and mental discipline. It places a great emphasis on correctness of form, precision and efficiency of movement, and mental focus.
Practice is conducted performing set forms that teach how to respond to attacks made by opponents in various positions and situations. The ideal is to be able to deal with an attack at any time, no matter what you are doing.
Unlike many other martial arts, iaido is a solo art since practitioners use real swords. Most of the practitioners use a blunt-edged sword (iaito) but some, more experienced, iaido practitioners use a real sharp-edged sword (shinken). Beginners may start with wood or plastic swords to alleviate the initial cost of an iaito.