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 United States who desire an outlet to come together with other sword students in a spirit of common training minus the politics inherent in many groups.  This federation has set the standards for this possibility.  We practice and teach two 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 three ways to cut; UP, DOWN, and ACROSS with angles changing based on the target.  We are currently planning a set of DVD's and videos explaining these things in detail.

We are the representatives of the Japanese Renmei here in the United States.  We incorporate the Shoden and Chudan Seitei kata and cutting in our annual All US Japanese Sword Tournament.  As in the Japanese  taikai's we request all participants to perform two Batto Seitei kata as well as one of their own style.

Now, a word about us.  We follow, very closely, the Japanese methods of 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 differences.

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 benifit here are people who are very young and have trained in dozens of martial arts and/or are certificate seekers.

To put it frankly, folks who would do best to join other associations would include; students of the sword who are not students of the 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 oue 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 accept all the responsibility for my opening comments here.

Thank you so much for your time and efforts.  I hope you learn well and prosper within the framework of the US Federation of Batto Do.