Chiba Shihan (left) and Mitsuzuka Shihan

Batto-ho, "sword-drawing method," is based on Iaido, "the Way of sword drawing" and other traditional forms of Japanese sword work. In Birankai North America, Batto-ho is studied in large part for the same reasons as weapons work with bokken and jyo: for what it reveals about the roots of Aikido as a martial art.

Senior Batto-ho Instructors

• T.K. Chiba, Shihan, San Diego Aikikai
• Pablo Vázquez Shihan, Aikido Institute of New Mexico
• Gloria E. Nomura Shihan, Aikido Institute of San Francisco

Iaido Techniques

Shoden	(sitting techniques) Shoden is the first set of basic techniques. For most of the techniques the practitioner starts from the seiza position.
1. Shohattô	5. Inyoshintai	9. Seijûtô
2. Satô	6. Ryûtô	10. Korantô
3. Utô	7. Juntô	11. Gyakute inyoshintai
4. Ataritô	8. Gyakutô	12. Battô
Shindo Munen Ryu	(standing techniques)
1. Iwanami	5. Matsukaze	9. Raito gaeshi
2. Ukifune gaeshi	6. Zangetsu hidari	10. Yôtô
3. Nôarashi gaeshi	7. Zangetsu migi	11. Into
4. Utsusemi	8. Dotô gaeshi	12. Inazuma gaeshi

Resources

Iaido Video Tapes	Tapes of the techniques are available.
Japanese Sword Arts	This webpage gives a reference point for the relationship of Iaido among the other sword arts. There's a lot on Kendo, being the most widespread art, but there is a wealth of answers to basic questions and an excellent bibliography.