Comprehensive SAMURAI course at a real dojo(Iai・Gekken・Test cutting）
We're sorry. This tour is no longer available.
Overview
The experiences I provide are not a form of entertainment or performance.
Some experiences do not offer a true Samurai experience because foreign visitors are not familiar with Japanese culture. I believe this should not be the case and teach authentic Japanese swordsmanship and spirit.
For those who wish to have a proper experience, or want to study authentic kenjutsu, please come join one of my lessons.
The Toyama school of swordsmanship was originally taught by the old Japanese army and was the last Kenjutsu to be used in actual combat.
So, Toyama school was developed by combining the specialties of various sword schools.
【attention】
If you would like to use this experience for interviews or various social networking sites, please let us know in advance. If you are informed on the day of the event, it will cause inconvenience to other guests. We will reserve the room for a private party (an additional charter fee will be charged), so please be sure to let us know.
Some experiences do not offer a true Samurai experience because foreign visitors are not familiar with Japanese culture. I believe this should not be the case and teach authentic Japanese swordsmanship and spirit.
For those who wish to have a proper experience, or want to study authentic kenjutsu, please come join one of my lessons.
The Toyama school of swordsmanship was originally taught by the old Japanese army and was the last Kenjutsu to be used in actual combat.
So, Toyama school was developed by combining the specialties of various sword schools.
【attention】
If you would like to use this experience for interviews or various social networking sites, please let us know in advance. If you are informed on the day of the event, it will cause inconvenience to other guests. We will reserve the room for a private party (an additional charter fee will be charged), so please be sure to let us know.
Inclusions
- Practice uniform/Practice Sword/Bokken/Real sword
- Please let me know your height and weight. As I prepare for the lesson clothes
What to expect
Itinerary
The experience I offer is neither entertainment for foreigners nor a tourist trap. My class is training.
In this class, you will learn and experience the three disciplines: Iai, kendo (Gekken), and Test cutting.
In the Iai lesson, you will learn how to handle a Katana.
In the Gekken lesson, you will learn how to maintain the appropriate amount of space between you and an opponent.And learn when to attack and when to defend.
In the Test-cutting lesson, you will actually apply what you have learned and use an authentic Katana to cut two polles.
First, when you arrive at the dojo, you will attend a short lecture and change into your training clothes.
Next, after learning basic sword handling techniques, you will spar with a safe sparring sword.
Each person will get two poles for cutting. On the first pole, you may cut as you feel. We will then provide you with advice. Use this advice to challenge to the second pole. If you can properly apply what you have learned you will be able to cut the pole with a clean cut.
We will send you an email after your reservation is confirmed, so please be sure to check it.
Please note that the email may be sorted into your spam folder.
The experience I offer is neither entertainment for foreigners nor a tourist trap. My class is training.
In this class, you will learn and experience the three disciplines: Iai, kendo (Gekken), and Test cutting.
In the Iai lesson, you will learn how to handle a Katana.
In the Gekken lesson, you will learn how to maintain the appropriate amount of space between you and an opponent.And learn when to attack and when to defend.
In the Test-cutting lesson, you will actually apply what you have learned and use an authentic Katana to cut two polles.
First, when you arrive at the dojo, you will attend a short lecture and change into your training clothes.
Next, after learning basic sword handling techniques, you will spar with a safe sparring sword.
Each person will get two poles for cutting. On the first pole, you may cut as you feel. We will then provide you with advice. Use this advice to challenge to the second pole. If you can properly apply what you have learned you will be able to cut the pole with a clean cut.
We will send you an email after your reservation is confirmed, so please be sure to check it.
Please note that the email may be sorted into your spam folder.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
breakfasttacos
November 2022
Wow! This is a must see! The highlight of our trip to Japan. A fun, engaging dive into the real culture of the artistry. Both informative and fun, you come away with a little bit of a new skill and a new appreciation. And photos of a lifetime! The instructor takes his time to really introduce you...
Wow! This is a must see! The highlight of our trip to Japan. A fun, engaging dive into the real culture of the artistry. Both informative and fun, you come away with a little bit of a new skill and a new appreciation. And photos of a lifetime! The instructor takes his time to really introduce you to the art but never bores and keeps the material engaging. I couldn't recommend his private class enough!Denis S
March 2023
It's just outstanding!!!! The best experience so far, a must visit place for everyone. Master Sumida is an incredible person who will make you fall in love with this culture. Highly recommended!
It's just outstanding!!!! The best experience so far, a must visit place for everyone. Master Sumida is an incredible person who will make you fall in love with this culture. Highly recommended!michael_b
March 2023
This was worth traveling a bit west of center city to get a more authentic experience. Very important if you do go to know that you're getting on the right train. The ODIWARA EXPRESS is essential. there are multiple lines coming through same platform that switch to other destinations (take odiwar...
This was worth traveling a bit west of center city to get a more authentic experience. Very important if you do go to know that you're getting on the right train. The ODIWARA EXPRESS is essential. there are multiple lines coming through same platform that switch to other destinations (take odiwara) and the local takes way too long (express). Sensei Sumida communicates well and reads people well enough. he shared with us some history on the samurai and the weaponry, separating fact from fiction. went over the attire and dressed in traditional garb. shared with us tactical stances, several offensive and defensive maneuvers that highlighted how little variability there is in hand to hand combat between success and failure so that, while glorified, it's a last resort endeavor. Then came the sword wielding, the sparring, and the practicing on the tatami mats. there were only two of us in the class and we had over 2 hours which got us plenty of attention. i am not a fighter. i never held a sword. just lightsaber. the other student i believe had his own katana, so Sensei tailored some of the more physical events to our style. i played more defense and got a good workout. i don't take myself very seriously so the constant humor and lightheartedness was invaluable to me and a good way to leave positive impressions on people from different cultures. have to say it felt pretty satisfying to get a couple of good cuts in on the mats and feel the smoothness of my swing and hear the whooshing sound of the sword before making a clean cut. if you arent used to exercise or using certain muscles, you will be sore. my cardio was fine, but my dominant forearm barked for two days due to bad mechanics. my 3rd trip to Japan, 1st samurai lesson. you know it was WAY worth it when you cant remember how much you paid. will always treasure the experience. Thank you, Sensei!!!!Ben_P
October 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable experience! Sumita-san is welcoming, displays impressive sword abilities, teaches easily, and provides fascinating insight into Samurai culture and history. You will feel like a really badass after slicing your way through tatami mats. Inspired to take up the sport!
A thoroughly enjoyable experience! Sumita-san is welcoming, displays impressive sword abilities, teaches easily, and provides fascinating insight into Samurai culture and history. You will feel like a really badass after slicing your way through tatami mats. Inspired to take up the sport!K7914KLdanielam
April 2023
We had an amazing time!! The class was incredibly interactive and unlike anything I have ever tried. I highly recommend it; it’s one of the experiences that I will remember for years to come.
We had an amazing time!! The class was incredibly interactive and unlike anything I have ever tried. I highly recommend it; it’s one of the experiences that I will remember for years to come.Nicole_L
August 2023
Hands down the highlight of my entire two weeks in Japan. This was a legitimate and authentic sword-handling training session, complete with a brief lecture on the history and the swords themselves, authentic attire, sparring with foam swords, and multiple opportunities to cut the tatami mats for...
Hands down the highlight of my entire two weeks in Japan. This was a legitimate and authentic sword-handling training session, complete with a brief lecture on the history and the swords themselves, authentic attire, sparring with foam swords, and multiple opportunities to cut the tatami mats for practice. You are given as many tries with precise feedback as it takes until your form is perfected. Not gimmicky in the least. The instructors were kind, patient, and truly invested in passing on their knowledge and expertise to others.