Battōjutsu
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Battōjutsu (抜刀術?) is a sword-based Japanese martial art. Battojutsu is closely related in meaning to Iaijutsu, meaning that the emphasis of training is on quickly and correctly drawing the sword, striking, and returning the sword to its saya (sheath). Both terms are somewhat more specific than kenjutsu which more broadly means simply "sword arts". Schools bearing this latter term typically emphasize sword dueling skills over speed and drawing skills.
"Battojutsu" or "iaijutsu" can also refer to the concept of drawing and striking in a single motion. Batto/iaijutsu techniques often involve drawing the saya back and the sword forward, allowing the wielder to begin and complete the cut faster than would otherwise be possible, generally half to three quarters of a second.
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[edit] Comparison with Iaido
While many can confuse Battoujutsu with Iaido, as both involve rapid sword drawing, there are some distinct differences. For one, Battoujutsu is mainly a defensive made up of counter attacks, while Iaido only uses the sword draw to start off a kata with an attack. In essence, hundreds of years before cowboys were having gun drawing duels in the old west, Samurai skilled in battou techniques were doing the same thing but with katanas. Battou styles don't really have any Katas to begin with, as they are a series of sword drawing and resheathing techniques. As with many battou techniques, the sheathed katana is either belted at the waist, or held in the left hand with the right hand on the handle. This allows the user not only to attack with the sword, but also follow up with a blow by the sheath as well as eaiser re-sheating. Another distinct difference between Iaido and Battoujutsu is that one can either use a curved katana or a straight edged katana, depending on the user's skill and/or preference.
[edit] History
Historically, battojutsu was developed around the mid-15th century, around the advent of the uchigatana. The saki-zori curvature (more curved near the tip, as opposed to koshi-zori, curved near the hilt) of uchigatana aided greatly in iaijutsu because it allowed the strike to begin before the blade had completely left the sheath.
[edit] Etymology
The term battojutsu was used during the Warring States Period, while the term iaijutsu was developed slightly later in the period as evidenced by its more philosophical name. Since martial styles generally did not have communion because they were enemies (among other reasons, including geographic isolation), what one style (ryu) might call iaijutsu is what another style with similar movements would call battojutsu.
The term iaido was not used until the end of the beginning of the 20th century, when it was first coined by Nakayama Hakudo, and therefore should not be confused with battojutsu. Battodo is another similar word and simply means the "way" of drawing the sword, while Battojutsu the "art" of drawing the sword.
[edit] Fictional occurrences
In the popular animé and manga series Rurouni Kenshin, the principal hero uses a fictional style of Battojutsu known as Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryū that focuses on the use of "god-like" speed and complex aerial maneuvers.
Even though the animé style is fake, many of the techniques are quite possible to perform, albeit at a much slower rate than how they're performed in the show. However, many techniques are still quite impossible, which makes this fictional style just that - fictional but based on a real discipline.
[edit] Outside of Japan
Battojutsu Ryuha are relatively uncommon in Japan, and less common in America and other coutries outside of Japan. This is in contrast to the relatively high degree of availability of Iaido training. Here is a partial list of some of the Battojutsu Ryuha known to be taught outside of Japan.
- Enshin Itto Ryu
- Jigen Ryu
- Fudo Ikken Ryu
[edit] References
- Obata, Toshishiro. Crimson Steel. Essex, UK: Dragon Books, 1987.
- Obata, Toshishiro. Naked Blade. Essex, UK: Dragon Books, 1985.
- Wagner, Gordon, Donn F. Draeger. Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique and Practice. New York and Tokyo: Weatherhill Inc., 2001.
