02.04.2026
Activity
The Samurai Experience - Stage Combat School -
The same is true for us Japanese ;）
Today, I’d like to introduce an activity that makes that dream come true:
The Samurai Experience.
What is the Samurai Experience?
You can learn samurai etiquette, how to hold and swing a sword, and practice stage combat, known in Japan as “殺陣 (Tate)”.
This time, we visited the dojo of SAMURAI've, a samurai experience school.
Before the class begins, we first change into Kimono - traditional clothing.
The instructer helps dress you properly, so there’s nothing to worry about.
（I'm a little bit nervous and slightly suspicious person.）Each person is then given KATANA sword.
It’s heavy...great...
At this point, my excitement is already through the roof.
Once everything is ready, the lesson begins.First, Samurai's etiquette.
Japanese martial arts begin and end with "礼(Rei)"= Respect.
Sit in and bow to the instructer and classmates.
The sword is placed on your right side, with the blade facing toward yourself, to show that you have no hostile intent.
Placeing the blade towards someone means "I can kill you at any time". It's really offencive and rude.
Next, we learn sword techniques from the instructor.How to draw, hold, swing...
"納刀(Noutou)" -Putting the sword back into the scabbard- is the hardest part.
How smoothly you do this directly affects how cool you look.
The instructor’s Noutou motion is incredibly smooth.
Students are Struggling
After learning how to swing the sword, it’s finally time to try stage combat.
First, check the script in advance
Two samurai-assassins close in from behind...
1) Dodge their attacks
2) Block with sword
3) Cut them down
4)Flick the blood off and Noutou
Assassins fall down.
Now I'm acting
Assasins are professional performers, who skillfully react to your movements, so you can feel great delivering each strike.
At this moment, you must think.
"It’s so much fun. I want to get better, learn more. Please don't end this class."
The experience lasts about one hour.
It’s only an hour, but by the end, you’re able to perform a decent stage combat.
Classes are conducted in English or Japanese.
Private plans allow for accompany of your interpreter or guide.
When you visit Japan, why not become the hero of the story.
