“Iai” is a martial art in which a sword is unsheathed and used to attack in the same moment from a sheathed state. There is beauty, almost like a dance, when “movement” replaces “stillness” in an instant.
Toyama-ryu Bizenkai which has its dojo in Machida, Tokyo, offers an Iai experience led by chairman Sumida Yoshioki who is known as the last samurai in the Reiwa era. At the end, you can try cutting with a real Japanese sword!
The skills that Sumida-shi teaches are real swordsmanship honed through the history of battle. By learning comprehensively the movements from drawing the sword to sheathing it, you can experience the spirit of the samurai, where everyday life and battle went hand in hand.
“If you want a real samurai experience, not a performance arranged for foreign visitors, please come to take part in the Bizenkai experience.”
--Toyama-ryu Bizenkai
Note when requesting to cover and film for social media sites
Comprehensive Course
After deepening your understanding through a lecture on Japanese swords, you can partake in this comprehensive course which teaches 3 types of swordsmanship - learn how to handle a sword using a practice sword in “Iai”, learn practical techniques to defeat your opponents in “Gekken” and use a real Japanese sword to cut a straw mat in “Tameshigiri”.
“What can you gain from experiencing Iai?
The importance of concentration, maintaining presence of mind.
Pure emotion.
The mindless drawing and delivery of the sword.
It is a form of spiritual training. Iai is called “moving Zen”.
The emotions that come after the experience vary from person to person.
Please experience the moment when your mind becomes transparent.
–From the official website”
You can learn not only about wielding a sword, but also about the meaning of each gesture and the spirit of the samurai that dwells in it. People who have experienced this course excitedly say, "You should definitely try it when you come to Japan." Experience that excitement for yourself!
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Course fee：15000 yen/person（Up to 10 people at a time）
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Course duration：90～120 minutes
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We loan participants the training wear. Please tell us the height of all participants and the number of people weighing 80 kg or more at the time of reservation.
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Click here for reservation
Writer's Pick
Test Cutting in Full Armor Course
The basic content is the same as the "Comprehensive Course", but you can try the Tameshigiri "test cutting" while wearing armor.
By wearing armor that is heavy and difficult to move in, you will be able to realize just how excellent the physical strength and body movement of the samurai were in those days. Although it is a more difficult course, it will leave you with unique memories and commemorative photos.
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Course fee：25,000 yen/person（Up to 3 people at a time）
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Course duration：120～180 minutes
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We loan participants the training wear. Please tell us the height of all participants and the number of people weighing 80 kg or more at the time of reservation.
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Click here for reservation
Tameshigiri Specialty Course
This is a course where you can receive an experience specialized in tameshigiri or test cutting. The makiwara (straw post) for test cutting gradually becomes thicker, and we also put participants up for the challenge of cutting makiwara double the original size and/or two makiwara placed side by side. In order to cut more difficult targets, the skill of swinging the sword at the right angle is required, so the content is more specialized.
Since the content of the lecture and experience is different from the above two courses, please check the course details on the official website.
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Course fee：15000 yen/person（up to 10 people at a time）
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Course duration：90～120 minutes
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We loan participants the training wear. Please tell us the height of all participants and the number of people weighing 80 kg or more at the time of reservation.
-
Click here for reservation
Note when requesting to cover and film for social media sites
If you wish to conduct an interview or take photos or film, it’s necessary to book a private experience as to not disturb other guests. At the time of booking, please tell us that you’d like to cover the experience, the name of the service/site, and the purpose of use. Please make sure to notify us in advance as we may not be able to accommodate you if you tell us on the day of. (There is a separate fee for private bookings.)
Article written with the cooperation of Toyama-ryu Bizenkai
