What is Batto Do?
Batto Do, loosely translated, means the way of drawing and cutting with a sword in a single
motion. This is the basic distinction between Batto Do and Kenjutsu, which are fighting
techniques used after the sword is drawn. The terms Batto Do and Iai Do are pretty much
interchangeable. The distinction we draw here is Batto Do techniques are performed in a
standing position, while traditional Iai Do uses many techniques performed from seiza, or the
kneeling position.
Batto Do is composed of three training regimes, Basics, Kata and Tameshigiri.
Batto Do Basics
Every student is taught the Basics of Batto Do practice. These include the various Kamae or
stances, correct movement, the Batto Grip, Chiburi and Noto, and the Eight Cuts. These are
covered in every class or seminar taught by the Federation.
Batto Do Kata
The U.S. Federation of Batto Do utilizes the Kata of the Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei. These
are the Shoden Kata and the Chuden Seitei Kata.
Shoden Seitei Kata are required for the advancement to the first level Shodan rank in the
Federation. They are composed of 5 Kata and concentrate on basic movement and cutting
techniques.
Chuden Seitei Kata are the more advanced Kata and are taught over a period of years. There
are 8 in number depicting the defense against attacks by one or more opponents from
multiple directions.
Tameshigiri
Tameshigiri, the practice of test cutting, is fundamental in Batto Do. The purpose of
Tameshigiri is to test the cutting ability of the sword, gain experience in striking a solid target
and to improve timing, distance, angle and grip.
The targets used of makiwara, tightly rolled mats called tatami mats, that have been soaked in
water and offer uniform weight and thickness.
While Kata teaches correct footwork and body movement, it is only by cutting an actual
target that reveals whether or not the proper cutting technique is being used. Strength,
speed and technique alone, however, are not enough. The correct swing technique and blade
angle, hasuji, must combine with proper cutting distance, kirima, to make a successful cut. To
perform a perfect cut, the mind, body and spirit must fuse at the very instance of cutting.
This is the training objective of Batto Do.
Tameshigiri, consisting of various cutting patterns and number of targets, is used in
competition in all U.S. Federation of Batto Do sponsored Tai Kai and is a requirement for test
advancement.
_________________
Batto Do, loosely translated, means the way of drawing and cutting with a sword in a single
motion. This is the basic distinction between Batto Do and Kenjutsu, which are fighting
techniques used after the sword is drawn. The terms Batto Do and Iai Do are pretty much
interchangeable. The distinction we draw here is Batto Do techniques are performed in a
standing position, while traditional Iai Do uses many techniques performed from seiza, or the
kneeling position.
Batto Do is composed of three training regimes, Basics, Kata and Tameshigiri.
Batto Do Basics
Every student is taught the Basics of Batto Do practice. These include the various Kamae or
stances, correct movement, the Batto Grip, Chiburi and Noto, and the Eight Cuts. These are
covered in every class or seminar taught by the Federation.
Batto Do Kata
The U.S. Federation of Batto Do utilizes the Kata of the Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei. These
are the Shoden Kata and the Chuden Seitei Kata.
Shoden Seitei Kata are required for the advancement to the first level Shodan rank in the
Federation. They are composed of 5 Kata and concentrate on basic movement and cutting
techniques.
Chuden Seitei Kata are the more advanced Kata and are taught over a period of years. There
are 8 in number depicting the defense against attacks by one or more opponents from
multiple directions.
Tameshigiri
Tameshigiri, the practice of test cutting, is fundamental in Batto Do. The purpose of
Tameshigiri is to test the cutting ability of the sword, gain experience in striking a solid target
and to improve timing, distance, angle and grip.
The targets used of makiwara, tightly rolled mats called tatami mats, that have been soaked in
water and offer uniform weight and thickness.
While Kata teaches correct footwork and body movement, it is only by cutting an actual
target that reveals whether or not the proper cutting technique is being used. Strength,
speed and technique alone, however, are not enough. The correct swing technique and blade
angle, hasuji, must combine with proper cutting distance, kirima, to make a successful cut. To
perform a perfect cut, the mind, body and spirit must fuse at the very instance of cutting.
This is the training objective of Batto Do.
Tameshigiri, consisting of various cutting patterns and number of targets, is used in
competition in all U.S. Federation of Batto Do sponsored Tai Kai and is a requirement for test
advancement.
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| U.S. Federation of Batto Do Zen Bei Batto Do Renmei ________________ |