Iaido is an art of Japanese swordsmanship. Training is based on the study and practice of kata or forms involving drawing, cutting and re sheathing actions from a variety of seated and standing situations.Modern iaido is based upon ancient techniques that allowed Japanese warriors from the feudal period to be able to defend themselves by quickly drawing their swords and cutting down adversaries in the event of an unsuspected attack.  For the most part, forms are practised in a solo fashion against an imaginary opponent with paired exercises being introduced at advanced levels.