07/04/2026
A little bit of history…
The Question of the Origins of iai(jutsu) - PART 1
TAMIYA HEIBEI NARIMASA (Shigemasa)
(From “Bugei Hyakunin Isshu” by Senka Kasatei, 1853 (100 people,1 poem each)
The text on the attached drawing is about Tamiya Ryu, written in a classical densho-style (傳書) and is a mix of kanbun (漢文) (classical Chinese in Japanese order), kuzushi-ji (崩し字) (cursive Edo style) and old kanji variations.
1) Translation in formal English of the top part of the text:
“In the region of Kantō, many warriors have long been renowned for their skill in battō, the art of drawing the sword, and for their earnest and disciplined character. Certain traditions emphasize subtle techniques and refined, elegant ability, and among these the Tamiya lineage is particularly distinguished.
It is recorded that Tamiya Heibei Narimasa established and transmitted this tradition. He advocated the use of the long handled sword, a method that subsequently spread throughout the various provinces.
The extended tsuka (hilt) grants an advantage of eight sun (+-24,24 cm), and the benefits derived from it are subtle, profound, and regarded as possessing a mysterious excellence. These advantages are recognised among warriors and are counted among the esoteric teachings of the tradition of Tamiya Ryu.”
Notes on the translation:
“Battō” (抜刀) refers to the art of drawing and cutting in one motion.
“Serious warrior / devoted warrior” (重候) is a classical expression for a disciplined samurai.
“Small techniques / elegant skill” (小技・華才) refers to refined, precise movements.
“Tamiya Heibei Narimasa” (田宮平兵衛成政) is explicitly mentioned.
“Long handled sword” (長柄刀) is a key element of Tamiya ryu theory.
“Eight sun(+-24,24 cm) of advantage” (八寸の利) refers to the extended reach and leverage.
“Mysterious / profound skill” (神妙) is a densho term meaning deep, subtle, almost esoteric technique.
2) The poem surrounding the drawing reads as follows: 身をこらし 心をこめて 学ばずは いかでか道の 奥をしるべき （田宮平兵衛重正）
“If one does not harden the body, and devote the heart with full sincerity, how could one ever come to know the depths of the way?” – Tamiya Heibei Narimasa
The phrasing reflects classical martial-arts ethics:
“Harden the body” refers to disciplined physical training and endurance, “Devote the heart” expresses wholehearted intent, sincerity, and mental focus, “The depths of the way” (michi no oku) points to the inner essence of a tradition – what cannot be reached through technique alone
TAMIYA HEIBEI NARIMASA – Early Master of Iaijutsu
Tamiya Heibei Narimasa(Shigemasa)（田宮平兵衛重正）stands as one of the earliest historically verifiable masters of iai-jutsu, and a pivotal figure in the development of the art after its legendary beginnings. Active during the late Sengoku and early Edo periods, he is remembered as a direct successor to the teachings attributed to Hayashizaki Jinsuke and as the founder of what became known as Tamiya Ryu.
Unlike many early martial figures whose lives are obscured by legend, Tamiya Heibei appears in multiple independent records. These sources describe him as a man of exceptional technical refinement, disciplined character, and deep understanding of the sword. His methods emphasized precision, fluidity, and the seamless transition between stillness and decisive action – qualities that would shape the evolution of iai-jutsu for generations.
The illustration traditionally associated with him portrays a composed and dignified swordsman seated in formal posture, holding a drawn blade with quiet authority. His richly patterned garments reflect both status and the ceremonial nature of Edo-period martial portraiture. The surrounding calligraphy summarizes his reputation in concise, powerful phrases such as Master of refined technique, bearer of the true transmission, a name known throughout the provinces, and one whose skill proved lethal in real combat. These lines echo the Edo-period view of Tamiya Heibei as a practitioner whose art was not merely theoretical but tested and proven. His school produced several influential successors, and his teachings formed a crucial bridge between the legendary origins of iai-jutsu en the structured systems that latrer emerged.
Today, Tamiya Heibei is recognized as one of the foundational pillars of the sword-drawing tradition. Whether viewed as the first great system-builder or as the foremost early inheritor of Hayashizaki’s method, his role in shaping the technical and philosophical character of iai-jutsu is undeniable. His legacy endures in the kata, principles, and spirit preserved within the classical schools that trace their roots of his name.
A FINAL ANECDOTE ABOUT TAMIYA HEIBEI
When his son Nagakatsu began studying iai, he had a bad habit with his front foot and did not improve. No matter how many times he was corrected, he would not fix it. Finally, Heibei said: ”If that foot is so bad, I’ll cut it off.”
He immediately drew his sword and stabbed Nagakatsu in the thigh. Perhaps because of this shock, Nagakatsu’s footwork improved from then on, and he inherited all of his father’s teachings, becoming a highly regarded swordsman.
Although little detailed biographical information survives, the precision of his teachings and this anecdote suggest that Heibei may have been a man who noticed the smallest details and thought in a highly logical – perhaps even overly meticulous – manner. The long-handled sword had a longer blade and was heavier than a normal sword. Its length gave advantages in distancing, especially from an upper stance, bit using it one-handed required considerable training.
Importantly, Heibei always added the condition “if it suits the hand”. He did not insist that everyone should use a long sword. This phrase captures as it were the essence of the teaching: ”If it does not suit you, train until it does. If it does suit you, train even more so that you can wield a longer sword with mastery.”
Sources: Makihide Hiko, Shunya Nagano, Nihon Kengô Den, Genwakai and various other materials.
僧 - April,2026
