Toyama-ryu Iaido is different from many other forms of Iaido in that it was developed specifically for practical combat by the Japanese Imperial Army. Though it has a lot of similarities to the Shinkendo practiced by Shihan for many years, it also complements and adds to our already strong Japanese sword program.
A Japanese soldier practices cutting techniques during WWII
Our first encounter with Toyama-ryu Iaido was actually in a town called Seki, which has been famous for its swordsmiths for nearly a thousand years. Every fall, the town holds the Seki Sword Festival to showcase the history, artisans, culture, and treasures of the region.
Swordsmiths demonstrating traditional forging practices at the Seki Sword Festival
In addition to swordmaking, the festival also features cutting demonstrations by experienced Iaido practitioners from all over the region. Though Ishikawa-sensei's direct students were not performing this year, we did see some rather stunning feats of tameshigiri from other Toyama-ryu practitioners.
Once we got to Kyoto, we were able to spend two full evenings training with Ishikawa-sensei under his top student, Terakawa-sensei. The members of the dojo were warm, friendly, and serious about their training. As the guest of honor, Shihan got plenty of personal instruction--and even got to do some free sparring with the other students.
One of the fun and challenging warm-up exercises done at the Toyama-ryu dojo involved using logs to practice swinging. Much heavier than a bokken or iaito, the logs helped the sword students develop strength, speed, and control. Once they switched back to their bokken, of course, the wooden swords felt lighter and easier to maneuver.
Practicing basic kata with Terakawa-sensei
Once we got to Kyoto, we were able to spend two full evenings training with Ishikawa-sensei under his top student, Terakawa-sensei. The members of the dojo were warm, friendly, and serious about their training. As the guest of honor, Shihan got plenty of personal instruction--and even got to do some free sparring with the other students.
Bowing in for sword class in Uji, Kyoto city
One of the fun and challenging warm-up exercises done at the Toyama-ryu dojo involved using logs to practice swinging. Much heavier than a bokken or iaito, the logs helped the sword students develop strength, speed, and control. Once they switched back to their bokken, of course, the wooden swords felt lighter and easier to maneuver.
Swinging heavy logs to develop strength and control
After practicing with logs and bokken, Terakawa-sensei worked closely with Shihan to go over the details of the Toyama-ryu basic kata sequences. He was a detailed, patient, and kind instructor--obviously loved and respected by his students. All of the kata were carefully filmed for later reference at the Arizona Budokan.
After practicing with logs and bokken, Terakawa-sensei worked closely with Shihan to go over the details of the Toyama-ryu basic kata sequences. He was a detailed, patient, and kind instructor--obviously loved and respected by his students. All of the kata were carefully filmed for later reference at the Arizona Budokan.
Practicing basic kata with Terakawa-sensei
Shihan had the most fun at the Toyama-ryu dojo doing free sparring with one of Terakawa-sensei's advanced students. This is a difficult and potentially dangerous exercise, but the students practice almost daily to ensure they can do it safely. Terakawa-sensei supervised the match while Ishikawa-sensei looked on from the sidelines with delight, watching his new American student confidently handle his weapon.
Shihan practicing bokken free sparring at Ishikawa-sensei's dojo
Ishikawa-sensei happily looks on during the match
Training with the friendly and dedicated sword practitioners at Ishikawa-sensei's Toyama-ryu dojo was a breath of fresh air. Ishikawa-sensei himself is a warm and generous man, and even stepped beyond Japanese custom to invite us to stay in his home for an evening. He also went out of his way to take us to a gorgeous temple and the famous Phoenix Pavilion in Uji, where they also make some of the finest green tea in the world. We are truly indebted to his generosity and kindness.
Ishikawa-sensei explains some of the inscriptions on his favorite temple in Uji
Shihan and Sempai Dawn at Byodoin, one of the most beautiful buildings in Kyoto
Ishikawa-sensei and Shihan at Byodoin
In addition to being a fantastic host, Ishikawa-sensei surprised Shihan by awarding him a fifth-degree black belt certificate and a request that the Arizona Budokan join him as the newest member of his Toyama-ryu Iaido organization. We are excited at this honor and dedicated to practicing and propagating Toyama-ryu sword techniques in our own dojo. If you haven't taken a sword class in awhile, this is a great time to get back into it!
A special thanks to Ishikawa-sensei and all of the instructors and students at his Uji dojo!
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