Nakamura Taisaburo (1912-2003)was a renowned sword master and the founder of the Nakamura-ryu style of sword arts. He was the chief instructor of the All-Japan Toyama-ryu Iaido Federation and the head of the All-Japan Battojutsu Federation. He held a 9th-dan rank in Battojutsu and Iaido as well as an 8th-danrank in Jukendo and a 7th-dan rank in Kendo. In 1992, by Imperial Decree, he was awarded Japan's highest cultural award, that of "Living National Treasure."
