Nakamura Ryu Batto-do
by Nakamura Taizaburo, Hanshi 10th dan, Battodo.
Based on the sword method of the Japanese Imperial Army's Toyama School of swordsmanship, Nakamura Ryu is an entirely combat-effective method that has survived into modern times.
Presented here in its entirety for the first time in the West by its founder, Taizaburo Nakamura, it was recorded in 1985 and has a soundtrack in Japanese which scarcely detracts from its value as learning tool so graphic is its presentation.
JUST RELEASED $39.95 Call Toll Free 1 800 717 6288
==============
Forum Members,
Well, I was finally able to get Nakamura sensei's permission to release his 1985 videotape outside Japan (it only took 5 years ) David Chambers of Tsunami Video (and Dragon Times) is the sole agent for this video. We have received the Master Tape and its quality is fantastic -- much better than the pirated copies changing hands (heck, even the one Nakamura sensei gave me was very poor quality).
Tsunami Video was originally going to translate it into English, but couldn't afford the translator's fee. If the first 100 sell well, I'm told that an English translation will happen.
The video was filmed in 1985 at Sojiji -- one of two main headquarter temples for Soto Zen Buddhism. Contents include:
Happo-no-kamae [eight kamae]
Happogiri [eight cuts]
Hasshu-no-noto [eight resheathing methods]
Eight Toyama Ryu Kata
Eight Nakamura Ryu Kata
Renzoku tameshigiri -- continuous cutting -- by Nakamura sensei
Six kumitachi by Sato Shimeo sensei and Suzuki Kunio sensei
Basic tameshigiri by Sato and Suzuki sensei
The opening shows the Nippon-Issha Hayashizaki Iai Jinja [Japan's Only Iai Shrine "Hayashizaki Jinja"]. The ending shows the huge, polished memorial stone (Nakamura sensei's family grave) donated by his students -- it is signed by three Prime Ministers.
Some changes in waza have since taken place, but the core techniques are valuable for anyone wanting to study Nakamura Taizaburo sensei's method of battodo and Toyama Ryu iaido.
Regards,
Guy