Nakamura Ryu

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

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

During his research he found that most old-school styles of iaido and kendo did not use thekesagiri (downward diagonal cut). The cutting techniques therefore are effective in theirsimplicity: the thrust (either single or double-handed); the downward vertical cut; left downwarddiagonal 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 Ryuiaido 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 asconvert easily to a thrust should you need to. Additional to this, he added 7 more (notably fromOmori Ryu and Katori Shinto Ryu kenjutsu).

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

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