BATTOJUTSU

BATTOJUTSU

by Juan M. Serrano & Frank J. – Bujinkan Shihan.

The Battojutsu is the art of cutting with a sword scabbard, and is closely linked to Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu. Also known by other names such as: Iai Nuki, and in its most modern and Iaido. Its creation is attributed to Hayazashi Jinsuke Shigenobu (1542-1621), who have received divine inspiration to develop it as art.

As the Iaijutsu studies the scabbard of the sword from the 'saya' (pod), the Battojutsu is a continuous movement to draw the sword and cutting. The line between these disciplines is very thin. The batter is trained in three ways: individually (Suburi) sequences (Kata) and shear test (Tameshi Giri).

It is an art that seeks maximum efficiency, allied to the speed of execution. But we must emphasize that this 'speed' comes naturally after years of extensive training. This is not to make any technical sloppily. This is the typical error that tends to lead to poor technique and, worse, physical harm. First, you must practice slowly and carefully, in order to develop the ability to handle. For that reason, the practice with a beginner 'Bokuto', the wooden sword.

Several techniques were developed to address Batto various situations in which the samurai could find, and took him to an unexpected confrontation. In many cases, these clashes occurred far from the battlefield, inside the castle of his master. Such skills were essential to the medieval Japanese warrior.
Shigenobu Hayashizaki

- Born: 1542 or 1546Hayashizaki

- Date of death: 1621

- Other names: Minamoto no Shigenobu Hayashizaki Jinsuke, Hojo Jinsuke Shigenobu.

The founder of what is now known as Iaido was a man named Hojo Jinsuke Hayashizaki Shigenobu or Jinsuke Shigenobu. His life was shrouded in darkness and, therefore, there are many more legends than facts. They know he was born in the province of Sagami sometime in mid-sixteenth century, from there is believed to have lived in the province of Mutsu.

According to legend, was killed while his father Shigenobu was still young. Vowing revenge, he took it the Jinja Shinto Hiyoshi Shinmei or where he prayed and meditated for several days. After a long period of prayer and meditation where he was beaten with a divine dream he was shown the techniques of battojutsu by the Gods.

No one knows exactly what he was expert in handling the sword, but you know that fencing studied intensively during the approximate years of 1596-1601 and then devised a series of Iaijutsu, the techniques he called battojutsu. His style became known by several different names: Junpaku Den, Hayashizaki Ryu, Shin Muso Hayashizaki Ryu, Shigenobu Ryu, Etc.

We also know that toured Japan in Musha Shugyu (warrior pilgrimage), and at that time attracted many disciples to his system. The exact techniques that are transmitted to their students remain a mystery, but is believed to have been relatively simple, practical and very combative.

Supposedly in 1616 at the age of 73 years, made a second tour of Japan, during which, apparently, disappeared. Under his pioneering influence, there were many different schools.

After his death, the tradition of Muso Hayashizaki Ryu Shin was conducted by Tamiya Taira no Narimasa Hyoe that is believed to be the master of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada and Iemitsu.

Hayashizaki Shigenobu