Three-months course “Nipponto”
Overview
Instructors at Samurai Kenbu Theater, who have obtained diplomas at one of the Kenbu schools among the more than 100 schools in Japan, will provide remote instruction using Zoom.
Kenbu introduction video
Flow to become a member
- Send an application form from the link below.
- Payment for the lessons and the equipment
You will receive an e-mail for the link of payment. Please make a payment.
*If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can pay by credit card by clicking ‘pay as a guest. - Get your ID, then book the first lesson.
- Get a Zoom URL and the lesson starts!
Your instructor will send you a Zoom link by e-mail. Get something for a rod/ the sword then connect to Zoom.
*The deadline for reserving and cancelling is 12 hours before each lesson.
*While taking classes, you will receive the equipment you ordered. After you get the sword, please take a special lesson to learn how use it. Register Now
What is the goal?
At this course, you will complete a kenbu piece, called “Nipponto”, which means the Japanese sword. This poem was written by Otori Keisuke, who was the samurai in the late 19th century, and who fought in the Meiji restoration.
The poem of Nipponto:
Tanya kenmasu iku hyakkai Soho sanjaku tamani chirinashi
Utagawazu Nipponto Sairinaruo Katute bankonsakusetu kokoromi kitaru
Summary:
Otori shows a respect to his sword, which was forged well by a swordsmith, and which fought hard with him in battle.
Curriculum and schedule
Open every Sun, Wed, and Fri. 8am-10pm JST (UTC+9)
| Lesson No. | Contents | |
| Preparation: Before taking class, get something for a rod and a belt, also please order your sword if you want. | ||
| Week1 | Introduction 1
-Basic skill of the sword, without using the scabbard. -Manner of the sword (how to show respect to each other) -Performing skills: hanmi |
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| Week2 | Introduction 2
-Sword skills: Makko, Kesa, Tsuki, Doh -Performing skills: Samurai walk |
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| Week3 | Katas of “Nipponto”
Basic training, lecture, and the katas of the 1st part |
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| Week4 | Basic training and katas of the 1st part | |
| Week5 | Basic training and katas of the 2nd & 3rd part | |
| Week6 | Basic training and katas of the 2rd & 3rd part | |
| Week7 | Basic training and katas of the 3rd & 4th part | |
| Week8 | Basic training and katas of the 3rd & 4th part | |
| Week9 | Rehearsal
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| Week10 | Coating
The instructor will give you feedback on your performance. |
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| Week11 | Rehearsal and coating
Enjoy learning the way of “expressing”. |
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| Week12 | Final rehearsal and Completion test
If you send a video of your performance after the lesson, you will receive a certification by mail or data. |
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| Optional lesson | Uses of the katana sword, including a scabbard
*If you order the Iaito sword, please make a reservation for this class after you receive it. |
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Plan
Choose your plan depending on how many times you want to take each of lessons.
| Minimum
Once a week |
Standard A
Twice a week |
Standard B
3 times a week |
|
| Price
(3 months) |
JPY26000/
$260 |
JPY44000/
$440 |
JPY62000/
$620 |
| What included | You can take each lesson only one time.
Textbook is sent by mail and shared as a data. |
You can take each lesson twice.
Textbook is sent by mail and shared as a data. |
You can take each lesson three times.
Textbook is sent by mail and shared as a data. |
- Additional lesson: JPY2000/$20 per lesson (Private)
Set of equipments
- Pack A: Belt and tabi-socks: JPY5,500
- Pack B: Sword, belt, and tabi-socks: JPY40,000
- Pack C: Sword, belt, tabi-socks, kimono and hakama-pants: JPY55,000
Register Now
Thing to bring for training (minimum)
-A sword (or a rod)-
We use a sword called Iaito, a sword for martial arts called Iaido. Its blade is not sharp, but the shape is the same as a genuine sword. The price is $300 and up. We guess you cannot get it immediately, so first just prepare something like a sword, such as a wooden rod. The length should be from your hip to your ankle.
-A belt-
To keep the sword by your side, you have to use a belt. When you wear a Kimono and a Hakama, you insert the sword into a belt called Kakuobi, a belt to suspend the Hakama, or you can also put another softer belt on your Hakama.
At the training, you can use your belt for trousers, or get a 6-8 cm wide cloth to use as a belt,if possible.
Admission policy
- This is designed for those of you who want to learn Kenbu:
Kenbu is a performing art that originated in the martial arts. You will learn some elements of martial arts, but the goal is to perform it as a dance, so it is not suitable for those who “only” want to learn martial arts. (It doesn’t matter if you learn short-term or long-term.) - Those who have a generous attitude to our instructors’ imperfect English:
It is said that Japanese people are not good at English, particularly when it comes to listening. Our instructors have talked with more than 5,000 foreigners annually at the Samurai Kembu Theater in English, but most of them still feel English is very difficult for them. If they cannot catch what you are saying, or cannot communicate what they want to say, they will use text chat tools, etc. Please be generous about it and let’s make an effort to have good communication. If you have any problems, please contact our support service. (A native English speaker or someone who speaks English well will respond.)
Contact
Ginbu Co. (Samurai Kenbu Theater & Dojo)
Online Class team
(Email address) info@samurai-kenbu.jp