Test cutting specialty Samurai course at a real dojo in Machida, Tokyo
Overview
This experience is not entertainment arranged for foreigners; you will experience our actual practice/exercise. Learn tameshigiri, the art of test cutting with a Japanese sword, at Toyama Ryu Bizenkai's dojo in Machida, Tokyo. Though this experience is beginner-friendly, it offers you the chance to learn more specialized cutting techniques and to test-cut rolled tatami mats of different thicknesses: half a roll, one roll, a futomaki (two rolls), or yokonarabi (two mats lined up vertically, side-by-side).
Highlights
- In addition to basic cuts, gests are challenged with advanced cuts that are not easily experienced in other class.
- Learn all about iai swordsmanship, as well as the different types of test cuts
- Start by practicing with a mock sword, then try using an real sword
- A beginner-friendly experience, even though you'll have the chance to try specialized cutting techniques,
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 4 tatami rolls (included in the price); additional rolls are available for 1,500 JPY for a set of 2.
Description
We at Toyama Ryu Bizenkai are a dojo providing a variety of iai swordsmanship experiences: tameshigiri test cutting, dressing up in samurai armor, and more. For travelers looking for a samurai experience, look no further! Tameshigiri is the art of test cutting with a Japanese sword. In the past, it was used to test the quality of a sword, but today, it is practiced as a martial art — a way of testing one's swordsmanship. Our tameshigiri (test cutting) activity is beginner-friendly, so don't worry about lack of prior experience; we will guide you with attention and care. At the same time, we will also teach you some techniques that are only taught to more advanced practitioners in other dojos, making this a unique and specialized experience that beginner-level and repeat guests alike will enjoy. First, you'll change into a keikogi, a traditional training uniform. After a lecture on Japanese swords and swordsmanship, you'll start with a blunt, wooden practice sword, which we will teach you how to handle and swing. Next, it's time to learn about tameshigiri. Esentially, there are only three types of cuts: kesagiri (downward diagonal cut), gyaku-kesagiri (upward diagonal cut), and suiheigiri Even taking into account the opposite direction, there are only six types of tameshigiri cuts — various techniques are comprised of combinations of these. We will focus on migi-kesagiri (right-side downward diagonal cut), the most basic cut. With each participant receiving four tatami rolls, start by cutting a half roll to check the hasuji (the blade's angle), then an entire roll. For your third and fourth roll, challenge yourself with more advanced cuts. Cut them either as futomaki (two rolls) or yokonarabi (two tatami lined up vertically, side by side). Under the watchful guidance of a good instructor, these specialized cuts are doable even by beginners. The most important thing to keep in mind is the blade angle. As long as it's correct, you'll be able to make these cuts without much difficulty. However, if the blade angle is even slightly out of alignment, you won't be able to successfully cut through the tatami mats. Most beginner-level tameshigiri experiences at other dojos do not include futomaki and yokonarabi cutting, so take the rare opportunity to learn either of these techniques at our dojo!