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Originally
a small sub-system of sword drawing techniques created for officers of the
Japanese Imperial Army, Toyama Ryu is now represented in various forms
throughout the world as an independent sword art.
The art
of Toyama Ryu has been completely subsumed into the Shinkendo curriculum
under the authority of the Kokusai Toyama Ryu Renmei (KTRR), and consists
of: Toyama Ryu Kihon Kata (the eight basic Kata), Toyama Ryu Jokyu Kata
(advanced variations of the eight basic Kata), Toyama Ryu henka (advanced
applied variations) and Toyama Ryu hensen (the study of the original methods
and their technical evolution to the present time; Gunto soho, Battojutsu
and Battodo/Iaido periods).
The KTRR
emphasizes accurate, powerful and rapid deployment of the sword, combined
with a strong expression of kiai. This spirit of training was how the art
was originally taught to the students of the Imperial Japanese Army.
[Drawing by Amy Giles]

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