What is Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu ?
Origin of Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu
In 1867 the samurai class was abolished in Japan. The Meiji Restoration redefined the class system and brought Japan into the modern era. To most people the Samurai are a footnote in history or larger than life figures on the cinema screen. The Samurai are gone, but their spirit lives on. Men and women from Japan and around the world are dedicated to keeping their legacy alive. This website is dedicated to the spirit of swordsmanship both past and present. It's purpose is to educate the public and promote Japanese Swordsmanship. Toyama Ryu Batto Do is a Japanese sword art established in 1925. It was formed by a committee, the senior authority being Nakayama Hakudo who was the 16th soke of the Shimomura-faction of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido. This art draws its techniques and philosophy from the expert swordsmen and their styles of that era. It’s roots may be Omori Ryu Tachi Iai or the tachi waza of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. It embodies the art of drawing and using the single sword from a standing posture. It teaches not only drawing and cutting techniques, but also the mental and spiritual aspects which governed the daily lives of swordsmen long ago. Toyama Ryu is based on the practical application of the sword as a weapon. It consists of basic cutting techniques, basic kata, advanced two man kata and a variety of specific cutting patterns. It places significant emphasis on the importance of actual cutting with the sword and understanding the intricate details. It focuses on not only the physical details of every action involved in using the sword, but also the mental and spiritual meaning which also must play an equal part in understanding the sword as was once done long ago. Toyama Ryu is the largest sword art practiced today in Japan. The governing organization is the Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Federation ( ZNTIR) and has dojos all over Japan as well in Europe, USA, Spain, Hong Kong, China and Vietnam.
Weekly Classes every Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Traditional Japanese Style Instruction
Training directly under the late Bob Elder Sensei 8th Dan and Hataya Mitsuo Sensei 9th Dan from Japan in the art of Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu, all classes are run in strict accordance with the Hombu (Head) school in Machida, Japan. We utilize the same training drills, teaching methods, etiquette, terminology and promotional standards as those used in Japan
Kata and Tameshigiri
Many sword styles teach KATA (prearranged patterns against multiple enemies) which teaches body movement and general situation awareness. Few schools however also practice TAMESHIGIRI (Test cutting) of actual targets to learn how the sword actually works. This study is very in-depth and takes years to start to understand. This has always been a major component of our training as it is in Japan still today.
Why Japanese swordsmanship ?
Although we will never need the sword to defend our selves everyday like the Samurai did, we train to understand the mental and physical dedication to an art form that had lasted for over 800 years. To learn to better focus our physical abilities and mental awareness to improve our daily lives and activities.
A Brief Explanation of What We do
Sword Handling
Sword Handling
Sword Handling
All students start with a wood sword ( Bokken) to learn basic handling techniques such as drawing, postures, cutting motions and sheathing. As they progress they move to a non sharp metal sword ( iaito) which is much less forgiving than a bokken. The very senior students in the class with years of practice will use razor sharp swords in their regular class practice. This heightens your senses and awareness of the blade as the samurai did hundreds of years ago. In essence you must become one with your blade.
Kata
Sword Handling
Sword Handling
Kata is best described as a predetermined pattern of movements to address an opponent. It teaches timing with the sword, movements and mental focus to address an enemy. As you advance the katas will address multiple directions and opponents as you execute various sword techniques designed to dispatch your enemies in a clean efficient manner. It is this training that makes you clear your mind and understand what the concept of " no mind" truly means. If you think , you are dead.
Tameshigiri
Sword Handling
Tameshigiri
The sword is a tool meant to be used. Many martial art styles teach the sword as a sideline to their primary art, but never actually understand the technique and skill that makes it work. A razor sharp sword will NOT cut anything unless you understand the angle, trajectory, timing and motion to make it work. This is accomplished over many years thru TAMESHIGIRI or actual cutting with a sharp sword. Weekly rolled straw mats are bundled, soaked and then cut exactly as they train in Japan to complete the true learning of the sword and how it works.
Kumitachi
Kumitachi
Tameshigiri
Kumitachi is the practice of two man attack and defense, ending with a simple ,swift movement to dispatch your enemy. It teaches the element of observing and instantly reacting to your attacking opponent, which one person kata does not. Beginning students use IAITO for practice, while the most senior students do use authentic razor sharp swords .
Gekken
Kumitachi
Gekken
Gekken is free sparring using protective helmets and foam ( but they still can hurt) padded swords. This allows each person to determine their own attacks, defense and footwork. This requires sharp reflexes, observation of your opponent and the "No Mind" approach. There is simply no time to think and react. It must be your training and reflexes that work together.
Who We Are
Tom Smyth Sensei
Founder of the Seibukan Dojo, Smyth Sensei has been training in Toyama Ryu since 1993. He has traveled to Japan many times to train as well as compete in the National Sword Tournaments there. He is a direct student of the late Bob Elder Sensei, Hataya Mitsuo Sensei and Sakaida Zenemon Sensei. He holds the rank of 6th Dan Renshi in Toyama Ryu, 6th Dan Renshi in ZNBDR, 4th Dan in Seizankai. Smyth Sensei was also a founding director of the USFBD but is no longer associated with that group.
John Boyer Senpai
John Boyer serves as assistant instructor and class leader in the dojo. He has been training directly under Smyth Sensei since 2002 and has traveled to Japan to train and compete. He also has competed in many tournaments here in the USA. John currently holds the rank of 5th Dan Toyama Ryu, 5th Dan Renshi ZNBDR and 1st Dan in Seizankai
Adam Taylor Senpai
Adam serves as an assistant instructor and class leader in the dojo. He has been training under Smyth Sensi since 2010.He has competed all across the USA in tournaments and holds the rank of 4th Dan in Toyama Ryu, 4th Dan in ZNBDR and 1st Dan in Seizankai.
Organizations we are actively involved with
Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei
Translated it means "The All Japan Toyama Ryu Federation. Headquartered in Machida Japan, it is the largest sword organization in Japan. Derived from the Toyama Ryu as taught by Nakamura Taizaburo Sensei. Hataya Sensei is the current President or " KAICHO" of this group. He travels to the USA every year to teach and provide Dan testing for members here.
Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei
Translated it means "the All Japan Batto Do Federation. This organization was founded for any and all traditional Japanese sword styles to come together and train and compete. Headquartered in Koriyama Japan, the current president is Sakaida Zenemon Sensei. Sakaida Sensei travels to the USA every year to teach and test the members for promotion.
Seizankai
This is Hataya Sensei's personal sword group which focuses only on very precise and difficult cutting techniques. Students must train for many years just to pass the first rank test. Membership in this group is very small both in Japan and in the USA due to the many years and extreme expertise it takes to meet the exacting standards it requires.
Upcoming Events
Seibukan Kyu and Dan testing second week of November 2024
ZNTIR training seminars and shinsa March 2025
ZNBDR training seminars and Shinsa Spring of 2025
Want More Info ? email us at Seibukan@cfl.rr.com
Photo Gallery
Introductory Seminars and Demonstrations
If you attend or own another martial arts school and would like a 2 hour introductory seminar taught for your students, or a demonstration of this traditional art form, please contact us.