Introduction

Unlike kendo, the modern sportive form of Japanese fencng, or the companion art of sword drawing known as iai-do, Battoo Jutsu is the original art of unsheathing the incomparably sharp Japanese sabre, and in one continuous movement, cutting down an aggressor. To the feudal Samurai, mastery of the martial arts including Batto Jutsu, was an absolute necessity, as it was the means by which he performed his primary function of service to his master. As such, the Samurai caste and their knowledge of th martial ways, constituted the rule of law for over one thousand turbulent years of Japanese history.

The beauty of Toyuama-ryu Batto Jutsu, lies in its spartan simplicity and deadly effectiveness; devoid of artificial or theatrical postures, it is simply an efficient, practical and blindingly fast way of mortalliy wounding an opponent in a single decisive act of self defence. Its destructive power is devastating, as can be seen from the skilled swordsman's ability to cut cleanly through all manner of tough materials even iron and steel. The precise combination of technique, power and correct angle of blade engagement (hasuji) that makes these prodigious feats possible however, can only be learnt in a traditional school where the old methods, based on actual combat experience are still followed, and the true method of cutting therefore, fully understood.

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Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu, as presented by author Toshishiro Obata, a mater swordsman of the highest calibre, is the living art of his samurai ancestors preserved for the twentieth century, through a combination of the efforts of a few dedicated individuals and the capriciousness of history. As such, it is a fascinating record for the modern martial artist giving as it does an insight not only into the tecniques of the feudal Samurai, but also into his attitude to martial training, and indeed, life itself.

In this volume also questions that are frequently asked about the Japanese sword, are answered in the contribution to this volume by a friend and colleague of the author, Yasuhiro Kobayashi the noted modern smith. To-sho Kobayashi, after long and arduous research, hjs succeeded in forging swords in th original manner of the Koto period (old sword period approximately 950-1530) that are at once beautiful, and exceedingly strong and sharp. To prove his point he subjects his own blades to brutal tests of their strength and cutting power on steel hawsers, large nails and iron helmets.

It is with considerable pleasure, that we present this first work in English on Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu, the sowrd art of the Imperial Army.

contents

Introduction
The Author
Toyama-Ryu Batto Jutsu
The Japanese Sword
Wearing the Sword
The Formal Bow
Tenouchi: The Grip
Kamae: The Stances
Kiri-Kata: Cutting Techniques
Batto-Jutsu: Drawing & Cutting
Happo-Giri: The Eight Basics
Toyama-Ryu Kata
Tameshigiri: Test Cutting