Private Iaido experience to learn Samurai spirit in Tokyo!!

【The outline of Iaido experience】

◆Experience the samurai spirits through Sizan(Test cutting with real Japanese sword produced in the Medieval Ages) in the authentic Iaido dojo in the center city of Tokyo(Kudanshita,Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)!!

◆Enjoy a kind of antique weapons collection tour during the break time!!

◆Capture this rare and wonderful experience thoroughly!! (Commemorative photographing(dressed like a Samurai holding a Japanese sword), Photography allowed during the class, Dojyo staff films your attempt!!)

◆Amazing demonstration performed by Head Master of the school!!(See the video)

【What to expect】

《You can experience Test cutting of Shizan(to be detailed later)which is most suitable for learning the Samurai spirits. Moreover,old swords produced in the 15th to 16th centuries, which are said to have excellent sharpness ever, are used!!》

Mugairyu school Iai, the classical samurai art of drawing the sword was created by the founder of Mugairyu school,

Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi(1648～1727). Mugairyu was exceedingly practical Iai to be useful for actual combat.

Additionally,considering the importance of the mental aspects of swordsmanship, Gettan joined the Zen seminary at KYUKOU-ji temple and studied under the famouse SEKITAN Zen bishop.

Incidentally, KYUKOU-ji temple near Shibuya station was founded on Azabu-Sakurada-cho in Edo(present Nishi-Azabu,Minato Ward, Tokyo)in 1650,and reportedly relocated to current location in the early 1700's.

Gettan was finally spiritually awakend with Zen Bishop Sekitan's help in the 19th year of his Zen study. For this reason, this temple is worshipped as the birthplace of "Mugai-ryu".

Gettan and his Mugai-ryu became so famous in its day. Not only samurai but also Daimyo or feudal lord joined this school. And, Mugai-ryu greatly flourished especially among high class samurai including Shogun’s retainers during the Edo Period(1603～1868).

Head Master of the school who restored the old Iai-swordsmanship style with a historical background under the school name of “Edo-Mugairyu-Iai Hyouhou” directly teaches you the Samurai spirit through Shizan(Test Cutting)modified for beginner!!

Shizan refers to the Test Cutting,which is a practice of cutting a simulated target(rolled tatami mat top layers of being soaked in water to add density) with a descending diagonal cut from the upper right to the lower left using a real Japanese sword from unsheathed position.

Shizan was popularized in the Edo Period for testing the quality of Japanese swords.

This practice requires practitioner’s concentration and courage, as might be expected of a practice performed with a real Japanese sword.

Head Master of "Edo-Mugairyu-Iai Hyoho", who is placing high value on the mental aspects of Swordsmanship like Gettan, created this Shizan experience program to provide beginners the opportunity to try Shizan and to be exposed to the samurai spirit while sufficiently giving consideration to the safety of the attempt.

And,Head Master himself spoon-feeds you considering an individual difference such as physical conditions and a physical strength!!

For example…

A towering figure…

An affectionate Madam…

A cute ten-year old boy…

A fine gentleman in his 80's…

Literally,anybody without regard to the age and gender can enjoy this Iaido lesson!! (See the video)

Success in the attempt doesn't matter, because this program's purpose lies the experience of the Samurai spirit!!

Just feel the Samurai spirit trying test cutting seriously with a real Japanese sword !!

Additionally,while commemorative photographing(dressed like a Samurai holding a Japanese sword)is of course carried out, you may also take pictures during the experience program and dojyo staff films your attempt!!

That’s why you can capture this rare and wonderful experience thoroughly!!

Furthermore,you can enjoy a kind of antique weapons collection tour during the break time!!

In addition,those are not replica but genuine ones which are supposed to be exhibited in museums!! And, unlike museums, you can film them and even touch them!!

After the lesson,amazing demonstration performed by Head Master of the school is waiting for you!!(See the video)

So, see you in the dojo!!