Nakamura Ryu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nakamura Ryu Happogiri Battodo is a modern iaijutsu form created by Nakamura Taizaburo Hanshi 10th dan Shodai Soke, Nakamura Ryu . Born in 1912 in Yamagata prefecture. He resided in Tsurumi, Yokahama, where he presided over the International Iai-Battodo Federation and taught battodo for the Kaku Sei Kai until his death in 2003.

Nakamura Sensei developed Battodo while teaching kenjutsu in northern China where he was inspired with the idea that eiji happo (the eight rules of calligraphy) could be applied to swordsmanship. He began to organize his understandings into a system of practical swordsmanship where non-martial techniques were discarded (much like the practical Toyama Ryu of WWII).

The system is based on Nakamura's studies of bringing the sword blade to a halt after a cut, how to parry, and how to progress to the next combative posture using the sword's kinetic energy.

During his research he found that most old-school styles of iaido and kendo did not use the kesagiri (downward diagonal cut). The cutting techniques therefore are effective in their simplicity: the thrust (either single or double-handed); the downward vertical cut; left downward diagonal cut; right upward diagonal cut; right downward diagonal cut; left upward diagonal cut; left horizontal cut; and right horizontal cut. 8 cutting techniques derived from the eiji happo.

Eight chiburi were then incorporated into the system. The basic chiburi used in Toyama Ryu iaido and Nakamura Ryu battodo is actually an en garde position; the sword is snapped down, point slightly elevated at knee level. From this position one can maintain zanshin, as well as convert easily to a thrust should you need to. Additional to this, he added 7 more (notably from Omori Ryu and Katori Shinto Ryu kenjutsu).

From there the 5 kamae of kendo/iaido were incorporated, but also including left sided versions of waki and hasso kamae and right jodan kamae to make 8.

---

Those Who Forget History Are Doomed To Repeat It.

Iai to wa, hito ni kirarezu,
hito kirazu
Jiko no renma ni,
shugi no michi.

Iai: not killing others;
not being killed by others.
Self-training and polishing, the
road to discipline and cultivation. [