Discussion with Power sensei

(new items added 4/11/01)

Question: Is the rather abreviated system of Toyama taught on it's own or is it usually taught in conjunction with another sword art?

GP: It is taught on its own within the 3 major Toyama Ryu Iaido federations. These organizations are each headed by 3 former instructors of the Toyama Academy.

1. Dai Nippon Toyama Ryu Iaido Kai (Osaka). Founded by Morinaga Kiyoshi sensei (d. ca 1986). This system teaches the original 5 kata implemented in 1925, plus the 3 additional kata introduced in 1939 (original #5 was deleted). Morinaga sensei served several assignments at the Toyama Military Academy, starting as a second lieutenant. He is the one who sent the Army's request to Nakayama Hakudo, asking his help in making combat effective army sword techniques. Throughout Morinaga sensei's army career — as a captain, major, and lieutenant colonel — he taught kenjutsu at Toyama Academy. Then, as a lt. col., he became the Director of Fencing at the academy and incorporated some changes and added kata in 1939. Tsunami Videos (www.dragon-tsunami.org) sells a video of these waza, performed by Tokutomi Tasaburo sensei (if you saw "Budo: The Art of Killing" you saw Tokutomi sensei in the end, performing kumitachi with my teacher, Nakamura Taizaburo).
2. Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei (Yokohama). Founded by Nakamura Taizaburo sensei (b. 1911). This system uses the 8 Toyama Ryu Iai kata as they were taught in 1939 — when Nakamura sensei attended the academy. After graduation, Nakamura sensei was dispatched around China teaching "Combat Budo " including kenjutsu (Toyama Ryu), jukenjutsu (bayonet), and tankenjutsu (dagger/dismounted bayonet).
3. Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido So-Renmei (Sapporo, Hokkaido). Founded by Yamaguchi Yuuki sensei (b. 1900). Yamaguchi sensei was also an instructor at the Toyama Academy. His teachings are very similiar to what Nakamura sensei teaches (1939 version), except Yamaguchi sensei has interjected a neo-Shinto religious aspect into the art (similar to what Uyeshiba Morihei did when he wrapped Daitoryu aikijujutsu into a neo-shinto religion to create aikido). Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu has recently (well, around 1980) added Toyama Ryu Iai to its training.
4. Nakamura Ryu Battodo. Founded in 1953 by Nakamura Taizaburo. Toyama Ryu Iaido is the foundation for Nakamura Ryu Battodo. Tsunami Video sells Nakamura sensei's video tape which includes the 8 Toyama Ryu kata.

Question: Is possible to recieve instruction and teaching status in Toyama Ryu?

GP: Yes. However, understand that "teaching status" is not the same as "blackbelt" rank. There are 10 rank grades in Toyama Ryu, and there are 3 teaching certificates: Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. This is true in each of the three autonomous Federations. These certificates are not automatic. A person can test for the first license, Renshi, when he or she reaches 5th dan. When the person is 7th dan, he or she may test for Kyoshi, and when 8th dan one can test for Hanshi. There are time-in-grade factors, as well as age criteria involved. A person can be a 7th dan without even testing for Renshi. That doesn't mean a 6th dan is unqualified to teach, assist, or run a dojo.

Question: Are there instructors here in the US teaching this system?

GP: Yes.

Nakamura-ha:

1. Guy Power. Renshi, 6th dan. San Jose, CA
2. Peer Halperin. 6th dan. San Diego, CA
3. Ron Zediker. Renshi, 5th dan. Assigned to England
4. John Vincent. 4th dan. Detroit, MI
5. Bob Elder. 4th dan. Orlando, FL
6. Ted Petit. Unranked, but leading a study group in Palmdale, CA.
7. Another teacher will be announced soon, but it's not official yet.

Yamaguchi-ha:
Dr. Steve Fabian. 3rd dan. Hanover College, IN (Hontai Yoshin Ryu US Representative)

Morinaga-ha:
Unknown

Question: Many people can't distinguish between origins of martial arts. To them, it's all about being able to defend yourself, or jump high and kick hard. What would you like to say to them?

GP: We must remember that these are martial arts -- meaning "combat" or "war." Martial arts are meant to be combat-effective on the battlefield or on the street.

What differentiates modern martial arts is that most are taught in a sports context. Which is not bad as long as your students understand that. The same goes with arts emphasizing the "spiritual growth" and "self-improvement" aspects of training. Students (and often teachers) think this is the objective; it is not. Being able to defeat your opponent is the objective. However, when one concentrates on the entire spectrum of training, and applies socially acceptable behavior and mores as part of training, the alternate outcome is often "self-improvement."

There is a Japanese axiom stating "Self-improvement develops from severe training." This is true; however, we must remember that in order for our studies to be a martial art, we must also develop our combat skills. Ballestras and ballerinas also develop self-improvement through severe training -- they perfect their skills and as a result they develop their spiritual/emotional growth. If we do not focus on cutting ability, deftness at the draw, and accuracy while striking, we are not martial artists -- we are then dancers performing with military props.

An even balance of combat effectiveness and personal growth is a desired outcome of budo.

Question: What martial arts traditions have you studied? When did you begin with swords? Did you start with bo or bokkun?

GP: I studied Chang Mu Kwan taekwondo for 2 years in Bangkok, Thailand, and received chodan (1st degree black belt); I also began kendo and stayed with it for about 3 months prior to returning to the US. In the States I studied a combination of jujutsu and karate for about 3 years; then my teacher introduced me to Mugai Ryu iaido. I always used a live blade, even as a rank beginner. This was back in 1971; since that time I had a strong desire to develop my iaido training. Unfortunately, I only studied under Mr. Church for 3 years (receiving shodan in iaido). For the next 5 years I practiced what I had learned ... and ended up developing some bad habits that were hard to erase.

In 1983 (I can't remember if it was '82 or '83) I finally found a teacher in Los Angeles who taught Toyama Ryu iaido -- Obata Toshishiro sensei. For two nights a week I commuted 3 hours each way from Ft. Irwin (in the Mojave desert near Barstow). Eventually Obata sensei told me to sleep over at his house on Fridays so I could train on Saturday, and leave on Sunday -- a pretty good setup. I began by learning stances, cutting drills, and movement exercises using a bokuto (wooden sword). However, when I began to learn drawing exercises and kata (forms) I had to use an iaito (aluminum-zinc alloy training sword) -- I would have used a shinken (real sword) if I had one. About six months later I purchased two WWII officer swords and had them remounted for use.

I studied directly under Mr. Obata until June 1985 when I was sent to the Officers Advanced Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia. While there I taught Toyama Ryu to a few people, but it wasn't a formal setting. I continued my training and contact with Mr. Obata until 1988 when I was assigned to Korea. After one and a half years in Korea I was assigned to Japan where I was able to train under the recognized leader of Toyama Ryu, Nakamura Taizaburo sensei. Nakamura sensei was once Mr. Obata's teacher; since that time Nakamura sensei has been my direct teacher. While learning under Nakamura sensei I received a great deal of personal attention from two of his senior students: Sato Shimeo sensei (Hanshi, 9th dan) and Suzuki Kunio sensei (Kyoshi, 8th dan). Prior to leaving Japan I was honored to receive Densho from Nakamura sensei, which recognized me as his direct disciple. This honor is separate from my Okuden license, Renshi teaching license, and 6th dan rank. Of all the adherents of Toyama Ryu and Nakamura Ryu, there are only about 50 who have been granted Densho.

Question: Do the Chinese have any sword traditions? If not, why do you think that is?

GP: I am unaware of any systemized school for Chinese sword techniques. There definitely are swords used in kung fu and tai chi chuan exercises-- but the small sample of movements I have seen, the swords look more like props to be twirled. I haven't seen any movements that indicate they could cut through a human target or block an attack. But, maybe they just don't exhibit those moves to the public.