Tokyo: Samurai Sword Academy in the Hometown of the Last Samurai

I went today and had a wonderful time! I always wanted to learn to use the sword so I was really looking forward to it! It was fun, I learned a lot and got 2 amazing teachers! Thank you so much! Definitely going again ~

I was invited to take part in this with Paul Martin, who is one of the greatest living non-Japanese experts on Japanese swords. He did not tell me anything beforehand. Despite having practiced some Japanese sword techniques with an imitation sword, I had never cut tatami before and was a bit nervous. I got to dress up like a Samurai. The Sensei, both spent time patiently teaching us their 5 sword kata, then demonstrated cutting, then it was my turn and WOW! Awesome experience to cut with a live Japanese sword with the descendants of the real last samurai. I told Paul afterwards I think they should double the price because the experience is so authentic, rare, and truly once in a lifetime. Don't miss this!

I felt incredibly honored to take part in the swordsmanship experience at the Samurai Sword Academy, not only in the Hometown of the Last Samurai of the Shogun (The Shinsengumi), but actually with their descendants. Inoue sensei was very kind and patient, and Masubuchi sensei led the class with very easy to understand instructions in English. We got to learn techniques of the Tennen-Rishin Ryu school as practiced by Hino members of the Shinsengumi and the 4th generation head, Kondo Isami. We started with basics, then moved onto some forms, and finished with an actual test cutting experience using real Japanese swords (Katana/Nihonto) while wearing the blue with Dandara pattern cuff haori of the Shinsengumi. The teaching was excellent and easy to understand, the experience was priceless. Well worth much more than we paid. The experience is two hours, leaving you plenty of time to see lots of other interesting museums and Shrines/Temples in Hino. Highly recommended!

It was a very amazing experience I highly recommend giving it a try. Everyone was very nice and the atmosphere was amazing.

I joint this amazing program. I experienced kenjutsu from the style of Shogun corps, Tennen Rishin Ryu. During training supervised by Master Inoue Genzaburo, the descendent of Shinsegumi. The program also guided with English by Yu Masubuchi San. It is really amazing experience at Shinsegumi hometown, Hino. Inoue Genzaburo Sensei and Yu Masubuchi San are very nice and very helpful. They guided me patiently. If you visit Japan, especially Tokyo or even Hino, I recommend this program for you.. it will be memorable experience for you. Let"s book the program and have a great experience.