Our Dojo
The Mikazuki dojo trains in Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu as taught by the Zen-Nihon Toyamaryu Iaido Renmei (ZNTIR). Many members are affiliated with the ZNTIR and travel often to seminars and shinsa.
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Mikazuki Dojo is a member of the US Federation of Battodo. The teaching of the US Federation of Battodo is closely aligned with that of the Zen Nihon Battodo Renmei.
Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu is a Japanese sword-drawing art developed in the early 20th century for the Imperial Japanese Army as a practical, battlefield-oriented system. Unlike older koryu (classical) schools that emphasize dueling and formal kata across many weapon types, Toyama Ryu focused specifically on effective use of the katana for cutting and close combat, including drawing and cutting from a standing position while in military uniform. The curriculum emphasizes strong fundamentals: correct grip, posture, footwork, and powerful, decisive cuts intended for real combat application rather than purely aesthetic performance.
In practice, Toyama Ryu includes solo kata, paired drills, and extensive tameshigiri (test cutting), often on rolled tatami mats, to confirm cutting ability and blade control. Its techniques are relatively direct and uncomplicated, designed for reliability under stress. After World War II, Toyama Ryu survived through former military instructors and evolved into different lineages, some emphasizing its combative roots and others integrating elements of iaido and modern budo. Today it is practiced worldwide as both a historical martial art and a method for developing focus, precision, and disciplined body mechanics with the Japanese sword.