What is "Toyama Ryu"? Toyama Ryu Batto Do is a Japanese sword art established around 100 years ago by a group of Japanese swordman. It was formed by a committee, the senior authority being Nakayama Hakudo who was the 16th soke of the Shimomura-faction of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu iaido. This art draws its techniques and philosophy from the expert swordsmen and their styles of that era. It’s roots may be Omori Ryu Tachi Iai or the tachi waza of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu . It embodies the art of drawing and using the single sword from a standing posture. It teaches not only drawing and cutting techniques, but also the mental and spiritual aspects which governed the daily lives of swordsmen long ago. Toyama Ryu is based on the practical application of the sword as a weapon. It consists of basic cutting techniques, basic kata, advanced two man kata and a variety of specific cutting patterns . It places significant emphasis on the importance of actual cutting with the sword and understanding the intricate details. It focuses on not only the physical details of every action involved in using the sword , but also the mental and spiritual meaning which also must play an equal part in understanding the sword as was once done long ago.