Tokyo Comprehensive Samurai Experience—Use a Real Japanese Sword at a Dojo in Machida
Overview
This experience is not entertainment arranged for foreigners; you will experience our actual practice/exercise. Learn to wield a Japanese sword in this exciting samurai experience! Experience three types of swordsmanship: Iai, Gekken (Kendo), and Teshikiri (test cutting). Learn how to handle a sword, to attack and defend yourself, and the correct angle to wield a blade by cutting straw poles with a real sword (hasuji).
Highlights
- Learn authentic Japanese martial arts
- Receive a certificate of Toyama Ryu Bizenkai upon completion of the experience
- Experience three fields of swordsmanship at a beginner level: Iai, Gekken, and Cutting
- Taught by a Japanese sword and Yabusame (traditional Japanese horseback archery) master with over 24 years of experience
- Enjoy a lecture, a hands-on experience wielding mock and wooden swords, and cutting straw poles with a real sword
Key Information
Important Information
• Please let us know the height and weight of the participants so that we can prepare training clothes. • Since real Japanese swords are used, alcohol consumption is prohibited prior to the experience. 【important 1】 Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We have had several cases where guests do not show up more than an hour after their reserved time and end up waiting 2 hours before showing up. Waiting for those who are late and consequently cannot come is causing inconvenience to other guests and guests in the next course. Please arrive before the start time. 【important 2】Concerning media coverage and filming. If you would like to use this experience for news gathering or social networking, please be sure to inform us of your company name, name of the person in charge, contact information and purpose of use in advance. If you inform us on the day of your visit, you will understand, but it will cause inconvenience to other guests. We will charter the room (a separate charter fee will be charged), so please be sure to let us know in advance. • Children below the age of 18 may also participate with written permission from their parents. • Maximum number of people is on request (up to 10 people). • Each person will be provided 2 tatami rolls (included in the price); additional rolls are available for 1,500 JPY for a set of 2. • In case your first choice is unavailable, we will do our best to book your second or third choice. Please provide up to three preferred dates and times.
Description
In this samurai sword experience in Tokyo, you will experience the three disciplines of "Kenjutsu" at a beginner level: Iai, Gekken (Kendo), and Teshikiri (test cutting). This experience is taught by a Japanese sword and Yabusame (traditional Japanese horseback archery) master with over 26 years of experience. This experience is not entertainment or a street performance, but teaches real swordsmanship and spirit. If you want to experience it the right way and study the real thing, please join us. Upon arrival at the venue, you will first observe a demonstration. Next, there will be a lecture on Japanese swords. We will explain the various swords, how they are made, and I will actually disassemble a sword in front of you to deepen your understanding of the Japanese sword. After that, you will change into your practice clothes. Staff will assist you with changing. In the Iai class, you will learn how to handle a Japanese sword using a mock sword (how to draw, insert, and swing a sword). In the Gekken class, you will learn how to maintain an appropriate distance from your opponents, called "ma-ai," and when to attack and defend. Finally, in the Teshikiri (cutting) class, you actually get to experience the sharpness of a real Japanese sword and use what you have learned so far to cut two straw poles with a real sword. Two straw poles are provided per person; please feel free to cut the first straw pole by yourself. If you do not cut well, we will give you some advice. If you are not successful, we will give you some advice and you can try the second one. If you can properly practice what you have learned, you should be able to cut the straw pole cleanly. Please experience the cutting quality of a real Japanese sword. Customers who have already experienced Samurai Lessons or Ninja Lessons are also welcome. Upon completion of this experience, a certificate of Toyama Ryu Bizenkai will be issued. Certificates are issued in Japanese for Japanese participants and half in Japanese and half in English for foreign participates. We hope you will be able to tell the difference between the chanbara you see on TV shows, commercials, and samurai movies and authentic martial arts. Enjoy a quality, authentic samurai experience. Experience Flow (Time may vary depending on the number of participants) ① Demonstration (3 minutes) ② Lecture on the sword (20 minutes) ③ Change into practice clothes (10 minutes) ④ Iai lesson (20 minutes) ⑤ Gekken lesson (20 minutes) ⑥ Cutting lesson (20 minutes) * We will prepare 2 straw poles per person, but please let us know if you want to cut additional poles. (Additional 2 poles: 1500 JPY inclusive of garbage disposal fee) ⑦ Receive a certificate of Toyama Ryu Bizenkai (5 minutes) ⑧ Change into your clothes (10 minutes)