AIKIDO OF WESTCHESTER

GENBUKAN BATTOJUTSU
(Japanese Swordsmanship)

Tuesday 7:30 PM | Friday 5:15 PM | Sunday 11:15 AM

BATTODO & TOYAMA RYU

Toyama Ryu (戸山流) is a sword art style developed for Japanese military training in 1925. Earlier Twentieth-century warfare still entailed close-quarters combat. This Japanese sword art system was designed to prepare army officers to effectively use their swords in combat.

At the Genbukan dojo, we practice both the standard Battodo and Toyama Ryu kata forms to simulate techniques used in sword confrontations. 

The distinguishing elements of the Toyama Ryu art form are practical applications of techniques for sword combat practiced entirely in a standing position, including tameshigiri (test cutting).

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORM

In the beginning, you will only need to purchase your keiko-gi and hakama. The dojo can loan you a dojo iaito for kata practice and a dojo shinken for tatami cutting workshops.

CURRICULUM

A new student will usually spend the first 3 months working on the basics (kihon). The practitioner will learn how to properly draw a sword (batto), perform various cutting motions, and re-sheathe the sword (noto).

- KATA
In Battodo, kata is the exercise of drawing one’s sword against an imagined enemy or enemies in order to counter an attack or strike down an opponent. By practicing kata the practitioner will learn effective techniques that will combine elements such as movement, cutting, focus, and intent. The purpose of kata is to instill situational awareness, enhance timing and relate to the distance of subjects (both moving and stationary).

- TAMESHIGIRI
Tameshigiri (test cutting) is used to enhance and test the practitioner’s ability to slice through a target by using a shinken (sharp Japanese sword). The swordsman’s cuts are evaluated on the precise angles and distance between the cuts, accuracy, and the practitioner's form. The targets used are rolled sheets of woven straw tatami.

ABOUT THE GENBUKAN DOJO
The Genbukan dojo is a member of Zen-Nihon Toyamaryu Iaido Renmei (ZNTIR), Japan, and the U.S. Federation of Battōdo. The teaching of the US Federation of Battodo is closely aligned with that of the Zen Nihon Battodo Renmei.

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