Toyama Ryu Japanese Swordsmanship

The samurai class was abolished in 1867.  This was the beginning of the Meiji Restoration and the class system eliminated in a move to bring Japan into the modern era.  The Samurai are gone, but definitely not forgotten.  Their legacy lives on in the sword arts they developed.  People around the world continue to look back at those legendary figures in history and strive to keep Japanese Sword arts alive so they can be shared with future generations.

Toyama Ryu Batto Do is a Japanese sword art that was established in 1925.  It was formed by a committee and not a individual.  The senior member was Nakayama Hakudo (16th soke of the Shimomura-faction of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido). This sword art draws its techniques and philosophy from the expert swordsmen and their styles. It’s roots are in Omori Ryu Tachi Iai and the tachi waza of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. It is the art of drawing and using the single sword from a standing posture. It not only teaches drawing and cutting techniques, but also the mental and spiritual aspects of the Samurai.

Toyama Ryu is all about using the katana as a weapon.  It strives to keep practical swordsmanship as the basis of the art.  It does not have elaboratly choreographed and complicated movements.  It is focused on efficiency and effectiveness.  It also keeps the structure and traditions of the Japanese Dojo.