Statement From the President
Welcome to the US Federation of Batto Do, Inc. I am Bob Elder, founder and President of the
association.
Our association was formed to unite the many varied Japanese sword enthusiasts in the
continental Americas. We have established a grading system directly based from the Zen Nihon
Batto Do Renmei, or All Japan Batto Do Association.
There are many small pockets of practitioners in the US who desire an outlet to come together
with other sword students in a spirit of common training minus the politics inherent in many
groups. We practice and teach 2 sets of Batto Jutsu Seitei kata. These are forms that are not
ryu-ha (style) specific and when practiced by everyone establishes a level playing field ensuring
fairness when judging competitions.
We also have a basic set of sword cuts, practiced on tatami or goza. These are set up to simulate
actual cuts done in kata and practice. Basically there are 3 ways to cut; up, down and across
with angles changing based on the target. We are currently planning a set of DVDs and videos
explaining these things in detail.
We are the representatives of the Japanese Renmei here in the US. We incorporated the Shoden
and Chuden Seitei kata and cutting in our annual All US Japanese Sword Tournament. As in
the Japanese taikai's we require all participants to perform 2 Batto Seitei kata as well as one from
their own style.
Now a word about us. We follow, very closely, the Japanese methods for learning, manners and
decorum. In this group, the people who will benefit the most are open minded, non-political and
helpful people. The best knowledge will be gleaned by those who look for similarities in the training
instead of negative differances.
Those who would best not join are; instructors who require their students to call them by a title,
whether officially awarded or not. At best, the Japanese say "Sensei." Anyone with a high
dan-rank should be modest and secure enough to realize they do not need to be addressed in
any way other than their name. Others who would not benefit here are people who are very
young, have trained in dozens of martial arts and/or are certificate seekers.
To put it frankly, folks who would do best to joining other associations would include; students of
the sword who are not students of he way. Braggarts, publicity seekers, people who are not
team players, students with no focus or are looking for a social life. People who want to be in
magazines or big shots on sword forums would be included here plus members who bad mouth
others.
In closing, we are a rare group in the annals of martial arts. We have many varieties of sword
styles as well as personalities. So far all have worked to the betterment of the whole, instead of
personal ego building for the individual. This is our creed and we will not falter. We have a one
year probationary time for new members who are not known to the officers. Tread lightly but
enjoy the sincere, 100% positive effects a group like this can have on your life. I except all
responsibility for my opening comments here.
Thank you so much for your time and efforts. I hope you learn and prosper within the
framework of the US Federation of Batto Do.
Bob Elder
Welcome to the US Federation of Batto Do, Inc. I am Bob Elder, founder and President of the
association.
Our association was formed to unite the many varied Japanese sword enthusiasts in the
continental Americas. We have established a grading system directly based from the Zen Nihon
Batto Do Renmei, or All Japan Batto Do Association.
There are many small pockets of practitioners in the US who desire an outlet to come together
with other sword students in a spirit of common training minus the politics inherent in many
groups. We practice and teach 2 sets of Batto Jutsu Seitei kata. These are forms that are not
ryu-ha (style) specific and when practiced by everyone establishes a level playing field ensuring
fairness when judging competitions.
We also have a basic set of sword cuts, practiced on tatami or goza. These are set up to simulate
actual cuts done in kata and practice. Basically there are 3 ways to cut; up, down and across
with angles changing based on the target. We are currently planning a set of DVDs and videos
explaining these things in detail.
We are the representatives of the Japanese Renmei here in the US. We incorporated the Shoden
and Chuden Seitei kata and cutting in our annual All US Japanese Sword Tournament. As in
the Japanese taikai's we require all participants to perform 2 Batto Seitei kata as well as one from
their own style.
Now a word about us. We follow, very closely, the Japanese methods for learning, manners and
decorum. In this group, the people who will benefit the most are open minded, non-political and
helpful people. The best knowledge will be gleaned by those who look for similarities in the training
instead of negative differances.
Those who would best not join are; instructors who require their students to call them by a title,
whether officially awarded or not. At best, the Japanese say "Sensei." Anyone with a high
dan-rank should be modest and secure enough to realize they do not need to be addressed in
any way other than their name. Others who would not benefit here are people who are very
young, have trained in dozens of martial arts and/or are certificate seekers.
To put it frankly, folks who would do best to joining other associations would include; students of
the sword who are not students of he way. Braggarts, publicity seekers, people who are not
team players, students with no focus or are looking for a social life. People who want to be in
magazines or big shots on sword forums would be included here plus members who bad mouth
others.
In closing, we are a rare group in the annals of martial arts. We have many varieties of sword
styles as well as personalities. So far all have worked to the betterment of the whole, instead of
personal ego building for the individual. This is our creed and we will not falter. We have a one
year probationary time for new members who are not known to the officers. Tread lightly but
enjoy the sincere, 100% positive effects a group like this can have on your life. I except all
responsibility for my opening comments here.
Thank you so much for your time and efforts. I hope you learn and prosper within the
framework of the US Federation of Batto Do.
Bob Elder
5th Dan Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu
6th Dan Kyoshi Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei
East Coast Martial Arts Supplies, Inc
President US Federation of Toyama Ryu Iai Do, Inc
President US Federation of Batto Do, Inc
Shibucho Seishinkan Dojo, Hombu Dojo, Orlando, FL
Shibucho Zen Bai Batto Do Renmei
6th Dan Kyoshi Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei
East Coast Martial Arts Supplies, Inc
President US Federation of Toyama Ryu Iai Do, Inc
President US Federation of Batto Do, Inc
Shibucho Seishinkan Dojo, Hombu Dojo, Orlando, FL
Shibucho Zen Bai Batto Do Renmei
_________________
| What Is Batto Do? Federation Officers Membership Application Member Dojos Federation Calender Articles Home Page |
| U.S. Federation of Batto Do Zen Bei Batto Do Renmei |
_________________