# Walthamstow Battodo Description

Walthamstow Battodo is a Japanese sword martial arts school in East London led by Bogdan Drinkov sensei, 3rd dan. The dojo specialises in two distinct disciplines: Nakamura Ryu Battodo and Kurikara Ryu Hei Ho, both rooted in authentic samurai traditions and philosophy.

Battodo, meaning "to draw and strike with the katana," combines the technical precision of traditional Japanese kenjutsu with structured path of personal development. Nakamura Ryu Battodo is a refined system derived from 20th-century swordmaster Nakamura Taizaburō's teachings, whilst Kurikara Ryu Heiho offers comprehensive internal and external training designed to remove mental and physical barriers to natural sword wielding.

The dojo serves East London communities including Walthamstow, Wanstead, Chingford, Leyton, Woodford and surrounding areas. What distinguishes Walthamstow Battodo is its direct lineage of instruction: Drinkov sensei trains under John Maki Evans sensei (7th dan) at Battodo Fudokan, who studied directly under Nakamura Taizaburō in Japan. This unbroken connection to the founder ensures authentic transmission of technique and philosophy.

Rather than marketing martial arts as sport or self-defence alone, the dojo emphasises "do"—the path of complete personal development through disciplined training. This philosophical approach, combined with authentic Japanese methodology and experienced instruction, positions Walthamstow Battodo as a serious training environment for practitioners seeking genuine martial arts education.