Know

Know Toyama-ryu Bizen-kai

Iai, the true ancient martial art of Japan.
Toyama-ryu Iaido elevates this art beyond mere beauty,
refining it for practical combat.
By integrating the strengths of traditional Japanese swordsmanship,
it was established as a military sword technique by the former Imperial Army.
Through this latest and final form of Iai,
we invite you to embrace the martial spirit
that honors both stillness and motion.

About

About

What is Toyama-ryu?

Toyama-ryu Iaido is a practical, standing form of Iaido, developed with the realities of outdoor combat in mind. Its essence lies in powerful, decisive techniques that aim to cut cleanly in a single stroke. Through the discipline of mind and body, practitioners strive to attain the ultimate principle of the “life-giving sword” (katsujinken).

History

The origins of Toyama-ryu can be traced back to the Army Toyama Academy, which was established by the former Imperial Army to train instructors and develop infantry combat techniques. Over 20 years, the academy formalized a method for handling military swords based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship.
At the time, training in post-draw techniques was conducted through military swordsmanship (guntojutsu), which included both one-handed and two-handed methods. However, few were proficient in handling military swords, particularly in the precise techniques of drawing (nuki) and sheathing (noto). To address this, a simplified system was developed to quickly teach the foundational handling of military swords.

While traditional Iaido was primarily based on seated techniques, Toyama-ryu was designed for the battlefield, emphasizing drawing and striking while standing. Its simplicity and clarity reflect its ultimate goal: to defeat the enemy. Although the Army Toyama Academy ceased to exist with the dissolution of the Imperial Army, Toyama-ryu was preserved and evolved as a cultural heritage after martial arts were reintroduced in Japan. Today, it is recognized as the latest and final form of Iaido, representing the ultimate conclusion of this ancient martial art.

About BIZENKAI

Bizenkai

At Bizen-kai, practitioners can experience the full spectrum of swordsmanship, encompassing “Gekken” (sparring), “Iaido” (including kata), and “Batto” (test cutting). In “Gekken,” participants use bamboo swords and wooden swords to learn the curvature (sori) and blade ridge (shinogi) of the sword, applying these skills in realistic sparring matches. In “Iaido,” they use training swords to practice drawing, sheathing, and handling the blade for cutting. Finally, “Batto” allows practitioners to cut rolled tatami mats, providing a tactile understanding of proper blade alignment that cannot be achieved through sparring or kata alone.
This comprehensive study of swordsmanship is not only about mastering techniques but also about self-reflection and spiritual cultivation.

Profile

Profile

会長
住田 嘉興
Yoshioki Sumida

  • 全日本戸山流居合道連盟 七段錬士　師範代
    6dan Renshi Master

  • 戸山流誠斬会本部道場 五段　師範代
    5dan Renshi Master

  • 戸山流弓馬会（流鏑馬） 練士　師範代
    Yabusame(horseback archery)Renshi Master

  • 古伝体術　心水会 師範代
    Master

The deputy headmaster of the All Japan Toyama-ryu Iaido Federation headquarters dojo, a master instructor of Yabusame (horseback archery), and the president of Toyama-ryu Bizen-kai, extends his teachings beyond Japan. He regularly visits branches in America, Europe, and Asia, offering guidance and providing Iaido experiences to VIPs from various nations.
With a deep focus on concentration and composure, he embodies self-discipline and carries the spirit of the “Last Samurai.”