Historical Background of Batto-do

Batto-do as promoted by the Zen Nihon Batto-Do Renmei (ZNBDR), is rooted in japanese military sword techniques known as Gunto-Soho. This system was created at the former Toyama Military Academy of the Imperial Japanese Army and drew upon real battlefield experience with the sword, combined with techniques from classical and traditional various martial arts schools.

After the Pacific War, Taizaburo Nakamura Sensei and other instructors who had taught Gunto-Soho to army officers adapted the system into an Iaido-based art. They renamed it Toyama-ryu and established the Toyama-ryu Promotion Association. Through many years of development and organizational change, this evolved into what is known today as the Toyama-ryu Iai Batto Do Renmei (TIBDR).

In 1977, the ZNBDR was founded to unite practitioners across different schools and ryuha in a spirit of mutual friendship, technical exchange, and shared study. Since then, the mission has been carried forward, expanded, and refined by Seiji Ueki Sensei and many dedicated successors.

Philosophy and Spirituality of Batto-do

In simple terms, Batto-do is a form of Japanese Budo that ultimately seeks to realize the state of 活人剣(Katsu jin ken) —an ancient teaching that a sword capable of taking life can also be used to preserve life, depending on the mind and intent of the wielder. This ideal is pursued through stringent training of both body and mind, expressed through the disciplined act of cutting a target with the Japanese sword.

Because the Japanese sword is exceptionally sharp, precise handling is essential. Practitioners must concentrate the mind, move fluidly, and execute a proper cut. Training requires the unification of 気剣体 (ki ken tai)—mind, sword, and body. When these three elements move in harmony, one develops the calmness, confidence, and mental strength needed to face challenges both inside and outside the dojo.

Technical Key Points in Batto-do

When cutting a target with a Japanese sword, there are several key elements. The basic posture is “Iai-goshi” that stabilizes the body by firmly lowering the hips. Additionally, correct “grip of the tsuka (tenouchi)”, “distance to the target(maai)”, “Visualizing the cutting angle and blade line (Hasuji)”, “controlled sword flow and stopping the blade safely” and “mental readiness” must align perfectly. If even one is missing, training is incomplete. The essence of Batto Do lies in harmonizing physical technique with a focused and disciplined mind.

The goal of Batto-do

The goal of Batto Do is not to display skill for others, but to face and refine oneself—to cultivate body, mind, and concentration in pursuit of 剣禅一如 (ken zen ichi nyo), the unity of sword and Zen, where clarity of technique and clarity of mind become one. In other words, this martial art is sought to mature personally by improving mentality through technical improvement.