Zach Biesanz

Founder
Godan, Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei
Yondan, US Federation of Battodo

Zach Biesanz started studying Toyama Ryu Battodo in 2011 at Byakkokan Dojo. He established the Brooklyn Battodo study group in 2016 as an extension of Byakkokan Dojo and now resides in Minnesota.

“When I'm teaching, I emphasize structure, posture, and body integration; I draw heavily on my yoga practice for this. It's necessary for effective power transfer, but it's also important for everyday life. I also emphasize efficient movement, presence/awareness, pressure, and composure under stress. And of course proper technique and martial effectiveness.”

Zach also holds the rank of nidan in Aikido.

  • 2024 Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei Taikai (Tokyo, Japan)
    Silver Medal, Dodan
    Silver Medal, Gekken

    2023 US Federation of Battodo Tri-State Taikai (New Jersey, USA)

    Gold Medal, Kumitachi
    Gold Medal, Yondan and Above Tameshigiri
    Silver Medal, Yondan and Above Kata

    2022 Seibukan Taikai (Florida, USA)

    Silver Medal, Gekken

    2019 US Federation of Battodo Tri-State Taikai (New Jersey, USA)

    Gold Medal, Gekken

    2018 Polyclash (New York, USA)

    5th Place, Sparring

    2018 US Federation of Battodo East Coast Taikai (New Jersey, USA)

    Bronze Medal, Nidan/Sandan Tameshigiri

    2016 Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei Taikai (Machida, Japan)

    Silver Medal, Nidan/Sandan Tameshigiri

    2015 US Federation of Battodo East Coast Taikai (Florida, USA)

    Silver Medal, Gekken
    Bronze Medal, Team Tameshigiri

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