Talk:Dragon Nikana/@comment-131.137.245.209-20140602154442/@comment-88.112.194.81-20140626145457

Technically Iaijutsu was the "quick-draw" katana art, focusing on clearing the scabbard and slicing up the target in one smooth move often capped with returning the blade into the sheath. Deflecting incoming attacks along the way optional. Had obvious applications for self-defense against surprise attacks and in rapidly developing informal confrontations - also apparently developed a bit of a bad rap for use in "crossroad cuttings", ie. randomly carving up unsuspecting commoners for the lulz. As usual the "-do" version is the less combative derivation aiming more for perfection of the routines and any amount of "spiritual developement" bullshit generations of masters felt necessary to tack on.

As a random curio comparision Renaissance rapier fencing, though similarly chiefly used in informal brawls, ambuscades and suchlike pleasantries about the town, did *not* teach fast-drawing the long blade - understandably enough, as rapiers could be well over a meter long so good luck clearing the scabbard quickly with that. Instead it was the companion parrying dagger ("main-gauche", lit. "left hand") that was the initial go-to weapon in a pinch - far nimbler in general, quite enough to deflect attacks with while you got the sword out, and if need be handy enough for up-close "ground work" if grappling was the order of the day.