Samurai Training with Modern day Musashi in Kyoto

Such a cool experience in a real dojo! Highly recommend. Sensei Yushin, Jordan, and Haruka were fantastic in guiding us through the training.
After the training there is a solo “assessment” and then you get to use a real Kitana to test what you’ve learnt to slice a rolled up mat.

I had a great experience learning from a master, it was in a real dojo & I gained a lot from it, now I am a member of the dojo & I can carry on my training on line which is amazing to me.

Active engagement in the samurai katana movements that resulted in actual testing your ability to slash thru rolled up mats. Plus great training in use of the swords!!!

One of the best experiences that I had in Japan! It feels great wielding a real katana, and Sensei Yushin is awesome! Also his students, Haruka and Jordan are very gentle and skillful, and the communication is perfect. This experience is totally worth the price, I'm recommending it to all of my friends.

This class was both enlightening and informative. We were able to cut the bamboo mats after our class and my wife and I are both almost 70 years old

Great choice of holiday experience with enthusiastic a d authentic instructors pushing me and my sons to practice the sword techniques whilst managing the obvious risk !
Good job !!

Absolutely a MUST do! These guys are serious, real authentic samurai martial artists. You get to practice in proper dojo attire, utilize a 250yr old katana and have the option to purchase an add-on experience with replica samurai armor (which my 18yr son did). They teach you basic moves with a training sword before giving you the real thing, and put you through an individualized exam to ensure you understand the proper forms. Safety is #1, but for good reason. The team of three instructors for our class of nine students was sufficient. One spoke fluent English while the other two had a general understanding. Three of our family members participated in the class. This is not "just-a-photo-op" experience with an assembly line feel, this is the real deal. You will sweat, get nervous and walk away feeling proud of what you accomplished.

Authentic dojo offering exceptional demonstrations and instruction. Good balance for skill level beginners and techniques that communicate the complexity of the skill and art needed to be successful.
Always positive and motivating. Well used time and patience.

This experience was one of the most memorable experiences for my two boys! My husband and I watched as they were trained with the training katanas and eventually got to use the real katana. We learned so much about samurai training, techniques and history. The sensei and his assistants were so knowledgeable, incredibly nice and made everyone feel very comfortable. It was an amazing experience.

One of the most amazing experiences of my life!!! It was a dream come true!!! I can not wait to take the online course and hopefully I will go back as soon as possible... The staff and my Sensei were extremely professional and very hands on... I wish them much more success and wish them the best, I even bought an amazing authentic Katana from my Sensei <3<3<3

Everyone here was super friendly and it was brilliant to experience holding a samuari sword and having a great demonstration from a proper sensi in an official dojo. You are taught some basic moves and are able to try them out. You can opt to try all of the traditional armour. Our session lasted for about 2.5 hours - well worth it and would recommend.

Amazing activity in Kyoto, highly recommended. The instructors were very friendly, helpful and entertaining. It is a must try!

As part of his 21st birthday surprise my son experienced this fantastic authentic Samurai Training at a local dojo in Kyoto with a master shogo who has over 25 years experience as a teacher.
Wearing all the proper training gear and holding real katana swords to train as the samurai did many years ago.
This training was extremely professional, held in a very safe environment that filled each participant with confidence. The experience lasted for two hours and was definitely worth every penny. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting the authentic professional experience. If we ever return to Kyoto, we would definitely do this again.

We met as a small group in the Sensei’s dojo studio. We were taught proper samurai technique and etiquette. We demonstrated what we learned by using a real katana (sword) to cut down bamboo poles. You gotta do this while in Japan!

My wife, daughter, and I had the incredible opportunity to train at an authentic, operating samurai dojo—and it was truly one of the most memorable experiences we've ever had.

Under the expert guidance of Sensei Yushin, who brings over 22 years of training and dedication to the art, we were introduced to the fundamentals of traditional samurai techniques. His teaching was both inspiring and precise, blending deep knowledge with a calm, patient energy that made us feel immediately at ease.

Supporting him were Jordan and Haruka, both highly experienced assistants who were equally passionate and professional. Their presence added depth to the session, and their attention to detail helped us quickly gain confidence in what we were learning.

One of the absolute highlights was getting to handle a real katana sword—and actually using it to cut through rolled-up mats, just like the samurai once did. It was a powerful, exhilarating moment that gave us a genuine appreciation for the discipline and skill this art form demands.

The 2 hours just flew by—we were so immersed in the experience that we completely lost track of time. This wasn’t just a class; it was a full journey into the heart of samurai tradition. We walked away with a deep sense of respect, huge smiles, and amazing memories as a family.

If you’re looking for something truly authentic, meaningful, and unique—this is it. Absolutely recommended!

It was fun and informative. The instructors we very pleasant and patient. They kept the session serious but enjoyable. Going through the training was very easy and step by step. The swords you practice with were very safe ( could barely cut hot butter). But the most exciting part of the session was cutting the rolled up mats. Now you’re using a very sharp sword ( but the instructor will keep you safe). If you only sign up for one thing during your trip to Japan make it this. ( one little warning if you’re left handed like me you have to be right handed for this and they will work with you I had very little trouble doing this)

One of the best experiences that I had in Japan! It feels great wielding a real katana, and Sensei Yushin is awesome! Also his students, Haruka and Jordan are very gentle and skillful, and the communication is perfect. This experience is totally worth the price, I'm recommending it to all of my friends.