Toyama Ryū

Toyama Ryū developed from the Guntō Sōhō sword forms introduced at Japan’s Toyama Military Academy in 1925. It is a modern school drawing on older sword traditions, not an Edo-period koryū.

Bushin Kai preserves the Mukaida-ha transmission as a distinct school. Its scope extends beyond drawing forms or test cutting alone.

Sword foundations: suburi, battō-jutsu, iai kata and ken-jutsu.

Cutting practice: tameshigiri, alongside study of the katana and kō-dachi.

Additional weapons: sō-jutsu (spear) and jūken-jutsu (mounted and unmounted bayonet).

Advanced study: programmed and free sparring.

Bushin Kai highlights tōsuji, the sword’s path, and hasuji, blade-edge alignment, together with continuous, natural movement and influences from Shinkage Ryū.

Hekisuikan arranges training by appointment. Beginners start with a bokutō, a wooden training sword. Iaitō and sharp swords require the instructor’s permission; please discuss equipment before buying it.

The photographs below show practice in Japan. They illustrate the wider training context, rather than the equipment or activities expected at a first appointment in La Ronge. Chris will discuss a suitable starting point and progression with you.