Aikido Toho Iaido, sometimes referred as Nishio-ryu Iaido, is a style created by Shoji Nishio, a prolific Aikido practitioner. Its katas consist of 15 katas, most of which correlated to specific Aikido movements. The literal meaning of the name is iaido of Aikido form.
In 1955, due to the lack of explanation regarding sword and jo techniques from Ueshiba (and other instructors),[1] Nishio started study Iaido under Shigenori Sano (10th dan Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu).[2] He achieved 7th Dan Nihon Zenkoku Iaido Renmei.[3]
In iaido, Nishio practiced number of different styles and consolidated what he believed to be useful.[4] By 2001, after 46 years of learning and perfecting the art, after numerous addition and revision, he finalized his iaido system to 15 katas, most of which correlated to specific Aikido movements.[5]
Aiki Toho Iaido consist of 15 katas[6] as follow:
| Number | Iaido Form | Chiburi | Correspondent Aikido technique | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohatto | Eishin Ryu | None | |
| 2 | Ukenagashi | Eishin Ryu | Ikkyo | |
| 3 | Ushirogiri | Eishin Ryu | Kaitennage | |
| 4 | Zengogiri | Eishin Ryu | Aihanmi Shihonage | |
| 5 | Sayugiri | Eishin Ryu | Gyakuhanmi Shihonage | |
| 6 | Tsukaosae | Eishin Ryu | Gyakuhanmi Nikkyo | |
| 7 | Tekubiosae | Eishin Ryu | Aihanmi Nikkyo | |
| 8 | Kawashitsuki | Eishin Ryu | Tsuki Sankyo | |
| 9 | Tsukekomi | Katori Ryu | Tsuki Kotegaeshi | |
| 10 | Tsume | Katori Ryu | Iriminage | |
| 11 | Sanpo | Katori Ryu | Sankyo | |
| 12 | Shiho | Suiou Ryu | Shomen uchi, Yokomen uchi Shihonage | |
| 13 | Nukiawase | Suiou Ryu | Shomen uchi, Yokomen uchi Gokyo | |
| 14 | Todome | Eishin Ryu | Yonkyo | |
| 15 | Suemonogiri | Eishin Ryu | None |