Nintai Kai Battodo - The Art of the Japanese Sword

Nintai Kai Battodo - The Art of the Japanese Sword Battodo - loosely translated is 'the drawing and cutting with the sword in a single motion'.

We work with a systematic approach to the coordination of movement through the body centre and the cultivation of Zanshin (mental stability) with the sword.

Interested in trying Battōdō?We’ve made it a little easier to get started.Rather than waiting for our next scheduled fou...
24/09/2026

Interested in trying Battōdō?

We’ve made it a little easier to get started.

Rather than waiting for our next scheduled four-week beginners’ course, we’re now able to introduce a small number of new students within our regular classes at Bicester and Deddington.

You’ll still follow our structured four-session introductory programme, costing £60, but the sessions don’t have to be on consecutive weeks. This gives us much more flexibility around work, shifts, holidays and other commitments.

No previous sword or martial arts experience is needed. We have a grading structure for those who want to progress through it, but there’s no pressure to chase grades or compete. You can simply come along, learn and enjoy the training.

So, if you’ve contacted us before but couldn’t make the dates of one of our courses - or you’ve been thinking about giving Battōdō a try - you don’t necessarily need to wait for the next beginners’ course.

Send us a message and we’ll see how we can fit your introductory sessions into the regular programme.

Nintai Kai Battōdō
Bicester | Deddington

Over 1,000 followers!A small milestone, but one we’re very pleased to reach.Nintai Kai started simply as a place to prac...
15/09/2026

Over 1,000 followers!

A small milestone, but one we’re very pleased to reach.

Nintai Kai started simply as a place to practise and teach Battōdō - the traditional Japanese sword arts that we enjoy and continue to learn ourselves.

It’s been great to see so many people taking an interest in what we do, whether you’re training with us, following from elsewhere in the UK, or from much further afield.

Thank you for following the journey.

忍耐 -Nintai: perseverance.

21/08/2026

Steel. Not Swords.

Not every training session involves a blade.

These are tetsubō -heavy steel rods used as part of tanren (forging), a traditional system of body conditioning in Battōdō. Through slow, deliberate movement, they help develop posture, breathing, coordination and whole-body power that later transfers to the sword. (John Maki Evans Battodo Fudokan)

Sometimes the slowest training produces the greatest progress.

1st Kyu Training at Nintai Kai BattodoA seminar working beyond simply learning more kata.We covered an introduction to D...
19/08/2026

1st Kyu Training at Nintai Kai Battodo

A seminar working beyond simply learning more kata.

We covered an introduction to Dragon Gates, mantra and breathwork; a detailed look at judging and scoring kata; and practical preparation for grading cuts through tameshigiri.

A good opportunity for our senior students to step back, look more closely at what they are doing, and prepare for the next stage of their training.

Well done to everyone who took part.

14/08/2026

Two directions. Two cuts. One kata.

Traditional kata aren't fixed routines—they teach principles that can be applied in different situations.

Toyama Ryū Kata 6 develops awareness, movement and cutting when responding to attacks from both front and rear, while maintaining the structure of the kata.

Sometimes the simplest movements reveal the deepest lessons.

07/08/2026

40°. Can you see it?

A clean kesa-giri isn't simply about power—it's about consistency.

In our approach to Battōdō, we aim for a cutting angle of approximately 40°. Here, four practitioners perform the same fundamental cut. Each one is slightly different, and that's exactly why we train.

Every target provides feedback. Every repetition is an opportunity to refine technique.

Which cut comes closest to the target angle?

Adult Battōdō classes in Bicester and Arncott, Oxfordshire.

31/07/2026

One kata. Three targets.

Traditional kata aren't just sequences to memorise—they're methods of developing timing, distance, movement and cutting under changing conditions.

Here, the same kata is performed against three different target positions while keeping the principles of the kata intact.

Which target position do you think is the most challenging?

Tameshigiri isn't just about cutting.Every successful cut begins long before the blade reaches the target.Monday's sessi...
30/07/2026

Tameshigiri isn't just about cutting.

Every successful cut begins long before the blade reaches the target.

Monday's session focused on the fundamentals - correct hasuji (edge alignment), body movement, distance and control. We spent as much time observing, discussing and refining technique as we did cutting.

One of the key points was maintaining a consistent cutting angle. In our approach to Battōdō, precision comes before power, and every target provides feedback on the quality of the technique.

It was another enjoyable evening of learning, supporting one another and gradually improving, one cut at a time.

29/07/2026

If you’re based around London and looking to start Battōdō, our friends at Walthamstow Battōdō have a beginners’ course coming up. Bogdan and the team run a welcoming club, so if you’re in that area it’s well worth a look.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EDPgn6if4/?mibextid=WC7FNe

24/07/2026

A Sword Is Only Part of Battōdō

A sharp blade doesn't make a swordsman.

Every successful cut begins long before the sword meets the target—with discipline, repetition, respect and attention to detail.

From preparing equipment and caring for our swords to refining technique and supporting one another in the dojo, every part of training has a purpose.

The cut is simply the final result.

Train with purpose.

Nintai Kai Battōdō
Bicester, Oxfordshire

Address

Kingsmere Community Centre
Bicester
OX261EG

Telephone

+447944165511

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nintai Kai Battodo - The Art of the Japanese Sword posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Nintai Kai Battodo - The Art of the Japanese Sword:

Shortcuts

Share

Category