Become a samurai in Kumamoto! Learn Iaido from the 18th head of the Niten Ichi-ryu style of swordsman Miyamoto Musashi

What is the samurai martial art "iaido"?

Iai is a style of sword-handling, footwork, and breathing techniques that allows you to hone your etiquette and spirit. It has a history of being practiced as a samurai skill. It starts with the sword in its sheath (the tube that holds the sword), and training is based on the idea of defeating your opponent with a single blow the moment you draw the sword. Emphasis is also placed on the action of drawing the sword from the sheath and the sequence of events leading up to putting the sword back into the sheath.

Unlike swordsmanship, which involves exchanging blows, it is a martial art that focuses on perfecting forms, so one of its attractions is that it can be started by people of all ages and genders.

Guidance by a teacher who inherited the teachings of Miyamoto Musashi

The person who will be teaching you Iai in this trial lesson will be Mr. Matsunaga. He is an incredible teacher and the 18th head of the Niten Ichiryu school, which was founded by the world-famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi!

Niten Ichi-ryu is a swordsmanship style perfected by Miyamoto Musashi, who spent his later years in Kumamoto, in the Reigan-do cave in the city, and its principles are written down in his book, The Book of Five Rings. Let's start by learning Iai from Matsunaga sensei, the heir to Niten Ichi-ryu.

One-on-one instruction is great! Enjoy the samurai experience casually

The Iai experience with Professor Matsunaga lasts about 90 minutes. First, you move to a tatami room (Japanese-style room) and change into a formal attire (hakama). Many people from overseas may be seeing and wearing hakama for the first time, but here, not only will they carefully teach you how to put on the hakama, but they will also help you, so anyone can put it on smoothly.

What's even better is that they will serve you matcha green tea and Japanese sweets! Wear a hakama and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets to your heart's content.

They come in a variety of sizes and patterns. Just putting on the costume will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to the age of the samurai.

Once you're ready, you'll move to the dojo. Before the experience, your teacher will demonstrate a demonstration. It's rare to see a professional demonstration up close, so be sure to watch this thrilling demonstration for yourself!

Now the Iai experience begins. After learning the basics of swords, such as how to hold and use the sword, you will actually draw your sword.

With your mind in order, just like a samurai, you quickly pull out your sword from its sheath and say, "Yay!" The appearance and shape of the sword are so cool, aren't they? You can try all sorts of things, such as putting the sword back in its sheath and practicing your swing, because the lessons are one-on-one.

Once the experience is over, you will be given a certificate with your name on it and a hand towel. There will also be a photo session, so be sure to take some photos of yourself as a samurai.

★Iai Experience Schedule (approximately 90 minutes)★

①Change into a hakama and enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese 　sweets

②Learning basic knowledge and the principles of Bushido

③ Iaijutsu experience and teacher's demonstration

④Photography and certificate presentation