curriculum-battoujutsushoden

Battoujutsu Shoden


Bujinkan Ikari Dōjō Online (武神館奭道場) presents a beginner foundation for battoujutsu, a martial art of the Samurai. Ikari Dōjō (Majestic Hall 奭道場) is affiliated with the Bujinkan organisation (Divine Warrior Temple 武神館). The Bujinkan teaches Budō Taijutsu (Classical Martial Arts of the Way of War - 武道體術) and is based in Noda, Japan, and headed by grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. The Bujinkan teaches nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools. Battoujutsu is a sub-section of the highlighted school: 
  • Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術) [Hidden Door School]
  • Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術) [Jade Tiger School]
  • Kuki Shinden Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) [Nine Fierce Gods School]
  • Koto Ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術) [Tiger Felling School]
  • Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) [Immovable Heart School]
  • Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) [Willow Heart School]
  • Gikan Ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) [Virtues Paragon School]
  • Gyokushin-ryū Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) [Jade Heart School]
  • Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) [Hidden Clouds School]
Beginner foundation for battoujutsu (battoujutsu shoden 抜刀術初伝) is part of the the Bujinkan Unified Fundamental Curriculum (Touitsuteki Kihon Katei 武神館統一的基本課程 [TKK]) and is a general curriculum made up of multiple modules to prepare students for the practice of the nine schools of the Bujinkan. The TKK contains foundational basics for the three general aspects of the Bujinkan; taijutsu, jujutsu and ninjutsu. It also prepares students with specialist modules for further training in preparation for the denshou (transmission 伝承) of the nine schools.    

This course is part of a sub-section of the TKK called 'Jade Tiger System' (Gyokkoha 玉虎派) designed to prepare a student physiologically and technically for the practice of the Jade Tiger School. Gyokkoha includes 18 modules focusing on developing the skills for techniques, methods and concepts found in the Gyokko Ryu school. Gyokkaha is split into six general areas, 'vital striking methods' (kosshijutsu - 骨指術), 'long-sword methods' (daitoujutsu - 大刀術), 'short-sword methods' (shoutoujutsu - 小刀術), 'dagger methods' (tantoujutsu - 短刀術), 'blade drawing methods' (battoujutsu - 抜刀術) and 'two-blade methods' (ryoutoujutsu - 両刀術). Kosshijutsu is a close combat system focusing on striking the vital points including muscles, nerves and organs; Daitoujutsu is a blade weapon system focusing on the use of the Japanese long-sword (daitou); Shoutoujutsu is a blade weapon system focusing on the use of the Japanese short-sword (shoutou); Tantoujutsu is a blade weapon system focusing on the use of the Japanese dagger (tantou); Battoujutsu is a blade weapon system focusing on drawing any length of hip mounted blade and Ryoutoujutsu is a blade system focusing on the use of two blades of any length. Together these six areas promote the development of close to medium ranged combat techniques that focus on striking vital points unarmed or with bladed weapons of any length.

Gyokkoha modules are split into three levels; beginner level (shoden 初伝), intermediate level (chuuden 中伝) and advanced level (jouden 上伝). Shoden modules are designed for solo practice. Chuuden modules involve paired exercises and techniques. Jouden modules are practiced by a group of three or more people. The idea of these modules is to develop personally, but also to practice leadership skills to empower others and understand the dynamics of groups and teams.

The module levels of the Gyokkoha correspond to module levels of the other courses in the TKK and some Gyokkaha courses are perquisites for other courses. Always read the course description to view the prerequisites.  

Gyokkaha (Jade Tiger System) - Current course is highlighted.

Kosshijutsu
  • Kosshijutsu Shoden (骨指術初伝)
  • Kosshijutsu Chuuden (骨指術中伝)
  • Kosshijutsu Jouden (骨指術上伝)
Daitoujutsu
  • Daitoujutsu Shoden (大刀術初伝)
  • Daitoujutsu Chuuden (大刀術中伝)
  • Daitoujutsu Jouden (大刀術上伝)
Shoutoujutsu
  • Shoutoujutsu Shoden (小刀術初伝)
  • Shoutoujutsu Chuuden (小刀術中伝)
  • Shoutoujutsu Jouden (小刀術上伝)
Tantoujutsu
  • Tantoujutsu Shoden (短刀術初伝)
  • Tantoujutsu Chuuden (短刀術中伝)
  • Tantoujutsu Jouden (短刀術上伝)
Battoujutsu
  • Battoujutsu Shoden (抜刀術初伝)
  • Battoujutsu Chuuden (抜刀術中伝)
  • Battoujutsu Jouden (抜刀術上伝)
Ryoutoujutsu
  • Ryoutoujutsu Shoden (両刀術初伝)
  • Ryoutoujutsu Chuuden (両刀術中伝)
  • Ryoutoujutsu Jouden (両刀術上伝)

Course Description

Battoujutsu (抜刀術) is a sub-specialisation of kenjutsu (刀術) focusing on the drawing of Japanese blades and swords. Battoujutsu shoden is a foundational module that teaches the basic principles and concepts of sword drawing.

Battoujutsu is complimentary to the practice of the daitou (longsword), shoutou (short sword) and tantou (dagger). It teaches how to draw a blade in close combat against an armed or unarmed attacker. Taijutsu (体術) is also a critical aspect of battoujutsu.
The fundamentals of battoujutsu are split into three levels; shoden, chuuden and jouden or beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Battoujutsu shoden is made up of 18 forms split into three categories; drawing postures [battoukamae] (抜刀構), drawing cuts [battougiri] (抜刀切) and disarm defence [shuutoudori] (守刀捕). These three areas are called Battou Roppou Battougamae, Battou Roppou Battougiri and Battou Roppou Shuutoudori respectively.

These forms are designed to reinforce muscle memory and practice good martial habits.

Prerequisites for Battougiri Shoden are:
- Taihenjutsu Shoden
- Kosshijutsu Shoden
- Daitoujutsu Shoden

Battoujutsu Shoden Battougamae - 抜刀術初伝抜刀

Battouamae (抜刀構) are postures or biomechanical structures of the body for specific use in drawing the long-sword. The kamae practiced in Battoujutsu are derived from the Gyokko Ryu or Jade Tiger School.

[一] Gedan no Kamae - 下段の構 (Low Level Posture): The lead leg faces forward toward the opponent and the rear leg faces away toward the path of escape or evasion. The tsuka (hilt) faces down toward the opponent's lead foot. Pull the tsuka (hilt) and saya (scabbard) out in a downward diagonal. 

[二] Chuudan no Kamae - 中段の構 (Middle Level Posture): The lead leg faces forward toward the opponent and the rear leg faces away toward the path of escape or evasion.  The tsuka (hilt) faces toward the opponent's hip. Pull the saya (scabbard) out of the belt and thrust it down toward the ground in a diagonal. 

[三] Seigan no Kamae - 青眼の構 (True Eye Posture): The lead leg faces forward toward the opponent and the rear leg faces away toward the path of escape or evasion.  The tsuka (hilt) faces toward the opponent's eyes. Pull the saya (scabbard) out of the belt and thrust it toward the eyes in an upward diagonal. 

[四Joudan no Kamae - 上段の構 (High Level Posture): The lead leg faces forward toward the opponent and the rear leg faces away toward the path of escape or evasion.  The tsuka (hilt) faces up in a diagonal. Pull the saya (scabbard) out of the belt and thrust it up in an upward diagonal. 

[五] Hassou no Kamae - 八相の構 (Eight Aspects Posture): The lead leg faces forward toward the opponent and the rear leg faces away toward the path of escape or evasion.  The tsuka (hilt) faces straight up. Push the saya (scabbard) down, while pulling it across the stomach so it is sitting vertically in the belt.

[六] Kuji no Kamae - 九字の構 (Nine Character Posture): The lead leg faces forward toward the opponent and the rear leg faces away toward the path of escape or evasion.  The tsuka (hilt) faces back away from the opponent. Pull the saya (scabbard) out of the belt and thrust it toward the opponent parallel with the ground.

Battouamae (抜刀構) are critical to effective drawing, evasion and armed defence. The core principles of the Battougamae form the foundation for Battougiri (drawing cutting) and Shuutoudori (disarm defence). All martial arts training begins and ends at posture. Without a strong understanding of posture and consistent training, any future technical training will be less effective.

Battoujutsu Shoden Battougiri - 抜刀術初伝抜刀

Battougiri (抜刀切) refers six basic techniques (waza) [技] that are designed to align the body and teach proper biomechanics. These waza are represented as drawing methods and cutting directions.

[一] Battougiri Sage - 抜刀切下 (Cutting from Below)Move into gedan no kamae, then pull the scabbard (saya) and hilt (tsuka) down toward the opponent's lead foot. Pull the scabbard off the blade and cut up with a rising cut (kiri sage). 

[二] Battougiri Ichimonji -  抜刀切一文字 (Cutting Horizontally)Move into chuudan no kamae, then pull the scabbard (saya) and hilt (tsuka) forward toward the opponent's pelvis, while turning the blade and scabbard in the direction of the cut. Pull the scabbard off the blade and cut across with the blade in a horizontal cut (kiri ichimonji).

[三] Battougiri Kesa -  抜刀切袈裟 (Cutting the Stole)Move into Joudan no kamae, then pull the scabbard (saya) and hilt (tsuka) upward in a diagonal. Pull the scabbard off the blade and cut across with the blade in a diagonal cut (kiri kesa).

[四] Battougiri Tsuki 抜刀突 (Drawing Thrust)Move into seigan no kamae and thrust into the opponent's face with the scabbard (saya) and hilt (tsuka). Pull the scabbard off the blade and draw the tsuka (hilt) back while flipping the blade to face the opponent, then thrust forward in an upward diagonal.

[五] Battougiri Age - 抜刀切上 (Cutting from Above): Move into hassou no kamae, then push the scabbard (saya) and hilt (tsuka) down and in line with your body. Pull the blade up out of the scabbard and cut down with a cut from above (kiri age). 

[六] Battougiri Jouhou - 抜刀切上方 (Cutting Diagonally Upward)Move into kuji no kamae and pull the scabbard (saya) and hilt (tsuka) away from the opponent. Pull the scabbard off the blade and cut up with the blade in a diagonal rising cut (kiri jouhou).

These Battougiri (drawing cuts) need to be practiced consistently to develop accuracy, flow and good structure. The more these cutting techniques are practiced, the greater the speed and efficacy of the cut. Control is key when practicing these techniques, ensure the blade starts and ends exactly where you want it to. 

Battoujutsu Shoden Shuutoudori - 抜刀術初伝守刀取

Shuutoudori (守刀取) are evasions and counter-captures to protect the weapon from being disarmed. 

[一] Omote Gyaku - 表逆 (Outside Reverse): Cover the hilt (tsuka) with your right hand and move into chuudan no kamae. Draw the hilt back and roll the blade anti-clockwise to the left with the whole body, while shifting the rear leg around.

[二] Ura Gyaku - 裏逆 (Inside Reverse): Cover the hilt (tsuka) with your right hand and move into chuudan no kamae. Draw the hilt forward and roll the blade clockwise to the right with the whole body, while shifting the rear leg around.

[三] Keri Sage - 蹴下 (Low Kick): Cover the hilt (tsuka) with your right hand and move into gedan no kamae. Drop the hilt low and move the rear leg around, then kick into the opponent.

[四] Tsuki - 突 (Thrust): Cover the hilt (tsuka) with your right hand and move into seigan no kamae. Thrust the hilt forward into the opponents face or chest.

[五] Kiten Age - 起転 上 (Turning Strike): Drop the blade into gedan no kamae. Bring the right hand up into kiten ken then strike down to the opponent's forearm (nagare), while shifting the rear leg around. 

[六] Fudou Sage - 不動下 (Immovable strike): Bring the blade up into joudan no kamae. Bring the right hand down into fudou ken, then strike up into the opponent's elbow or bicep.

An important concept to remember when considering armed combat is that the weapon may be in danger of being disarmed or stopped before the draw. In holistic martial arts training, being capable of dealing with an opponent unarmed is just as critical as being able to use the weapon itself. Shuutoudori ensures that a martial artist is always in control, even when the weapon is being threatened by the opponent.


Review and Conclusion
Battoujutsu shoden is a foundational introduction to the mechanics of a drawing a bladed weapon. The use of a blade is closely tied to being able to draw it efficiently and safely, even when under attack. Battoujutsu concepts can be used with any sized blade and also other weapons drawn from the hip or belt such as jutte, kyoketsushoge and kunai. Battoujutsu is critical to the effective use of drawn weapons and should be practiced before learning weapon use.