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On Tameshigiri (continued)
Eishin Ryu uses the Omori Ryu forms as its initial teaching called "Shoden Waza."Nakayama Hakudo (1869-1958) is considered one of the 20th century's greatest sword masters. He was the 16th headmaster and last undisputed inheritor of the Shimomura Faction of Eishin Ryu. In 1932 he developed Muso Shinden Ryu iaido, which many people today erroneously consider a "koryu." Nakayama sensei assisted in reforming Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido during the 1912-1926 period (Warner and Draeger, 1982:92), and was a member of three councils which oversaw the development and transition of the Dai Nippon Butokuaki Kenjutsu Kata to the Dai Nippon Imperial Kendo Kata-forerunners of today's All Japan Kendo Kata: in Meiji 44 he was listed as twelfth of 23 participants; in Taisho 6 he was tenth of 12 participants; and in Showa 8 he was second of 12 participants (Shigeoka, 1987:9-10) [During the first two councils Nakayama sensei is listed as a Kyoshi; during the last council, headed by Takano Sasaburo, he is listed as Hanshi.].
Nakakura Kiyoshi is a former disciple of Nakayama Hakudo. He is a senior advisor to the All Japan Kendo Federation, senior advisor to the All Japan Battodo Federation, and wrote the introduction for Nakamura Taizaburo sensei's book Katsujin-Ken Battodo [The Life-Giving Sword of Battodo]. Nakakura sensei was once the former son-in-law and one-time soke designee to Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei. After the Second World War, Nakakura sensei participated in the councils which saw the reformation of the Greater Japan Imperial Kendo Kata into the All Japan Kendo Kata (Shigeoka, 1987:10).
Ishida Kazusoto. A former Chairman of the All Japan Kendo Federation. After visiting Nakamura sensei's dojo to observe battodo he professed, "It is desirable to let those who have a 5th dan in kendo and above possess a Japanese sword. They could then learn your spirit and technique and transmit it back to kendo" (Nakamura, 1980:206-207).
Kunii Zenya (1894-1966). Soke of Kashima-Shin Ryu and former fencing instructor at the Toyama Military Academy.
Kaishaku. A beheading coup de grāce delivered by sword. When performed as part of ritualistic suicide (seppuku / harakiri), it was often performed by a close friend or relative.
Katsujin-ken. The "Life-giving Sword." In J apanese swordsmanship there are two philosophies of using the sword. Katsujin-ken is literally the "Life-giving Sword" and embodies all that is righteous: protecting the weak, destroying evil, and cultivating one's own spirit. Conversely, Satsujin-ken is the "Murdering Sword" which takes the lives of the weak, propagates evil, and eventually destroys one's humanity (Dann 1978, Nakamura 1973, Warner and Draeger 1982).
Some purists insist that Satsujin Ken be read as its alternative pronunciation of "satsu-nin toh."
Gensu knives are sold on late-night television infomercials. They are cheaply made and are claimed to cut through anything. ("The Gensu knife not only slices thinly through this ripe tomato, it even saws through this aluminum can...now how much would you pay? BUT WAIT! You also get this impressive array of dinner knives;" ad nauseum.)
Shugyo. Spiritual training consisting of severities along the way.