Battōjutsu

Battojutsu (Japanese抜 刀 术) is a Japanese martial art with the katana. The particular focus is in short techniques directly after or during the pulling out of its scabbard or saya.

Demarcation from other martial arts

Battojutsu is distinguished by the suffix " -jutsu " mostly from other Japanese martial arts such as Iaido or Battodo. In contrast to both " -jutsu " emphasizes the practical techniques rather than the mental and spiritual elements. However, this can be different in each school. The differences of Battojutsu to Kendo are much larger than Iaido: The structure of Battojutsu is not tied to sporting rules in individual aspects are, if held at all, tournaments or sports competitions. Kenjutsu is bordered roughly characterized by Battojutsu from that the techniques in kenjutsu mostly start with the drawn weapon in Battojutsu already drawing the weapon.

History

The term Iai -jutsu is from history almost interchangeable with Battojutsu. Looking at the contents of both martial arts, its origins to the 15th century in Japan back. Offensive and defensive sword drawing techniques were taught and applied in some schools already at the time.

According to legend, the Iai- Jutsu has been specially Hayashizaki Jinsuke developed in the 17th century because it was looking for a way to avenge his father. In the search for effective techniques to surprise an opponent even at an open meeting not yet drawn sword, he put some techniques together. According to legend, he really could thus avenge his father.