Samurai Kenbu

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Check Out Our List of Programs at Samurai Kenbu

Step into the world of the revered Japanese warrior with our comprehensive Samurai Class and Kenbu Show experiences.
Delve into traditional practices and emerge with not just skills but an enriched understanding of a culture that has fascinated the world for centuries.

Daily Programs

We offer a Samurai Experience Class (75min or 10min) with a Kenbu Show (40min or 10min) as our daily program. For reservations, please click here.

Samurai Experience Class (75 min)

Immerse yourself in a 75-minute authentic Samurai Class, where the ancient meets the present. Begin your journey by donning traditional Tabi socks, setting the stage for an experience steeped in tradition. A captivating video will introduce you to the profound world of the Samurai, leading you to the heart of our course—the katana. This legendary sword is more than a weapon; it’s a symbol of the Samurai’s honor and discipline.
Adorn yourself in the Kimono or Hakama, the formal attire of the Samurai, and learn the respectful bow to commence your class. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you’ll practice wielding the katana with precision. If time allows, you’ll also explore the elegant sensu folding fan, another significant aspect of Samurai culture.
Capture your transformation with a photo session in full Samurai attire, striking poses that resonate with the power and poise of these legendary warriors. Conclude your class with a bow, a sign of gratitude and respect, before you shed the layers of the Samurai and receive a certification honoring your participation.

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Samurai Experience Class
Steps: Samurai Experience Class
  1. 01Welcome & Traditional Japanese Bow
    Begin your experience with the respectful Rei, the traditional Japanese bow, to open your lesson.
  2. 02Katana Orientation
    Learn about the history and handling of the katana sword, the soul of the Samurai.
  3. 03Dressing in Samurai Garb
    Try on the traditional Kimono or Hakama, the formal attire of the Samurai.
  4. 04Samurai Photo Session
    Pose for a commemorative photo shoot in full Samurai attire, capturing the essence of the warrior.
  5. 05Sword Practice
    Practice basic katana techniques, honing your skills in the art of the sword.
  6. 06Sensu Folding Fan (Time Permitting)
    Discover the elegance of the sensu folding fan and its role in Samurai culture.
  7. 07Closing Ceremony
    End your class with a final bow, an expression of gratitude and respect for the traditions you’ve experienced.

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Kenbu Show – Long Version (40 minutes)

Experience the dynamism of the Kenbu Show, a 40-minute presentation that embodies the spirit of Samurai through martial arts such as ‘Toho’ or ‘Iai’. Witness a series of performances, from the fierce “Fushikian” to the stoic “ShijuShitishi”, and the epic “Courageous Yoshitune”. Navigate through Samurai history, observing sword techniques and the Samurai’s daily nuances with a folding fan.
Learn about the solemn practices of ‘Seppuku’ or ‘Harakiri’, and enjoy the ‘Shochikubai’ fan performance, an ode to nature’s pine, bamboo, and plum. The show culminates with the new style Kenbu ‘Josai’ or ‘Kiso-Yoshinaka’, a four-part series showcasing the Samurai’s resolve, daily training, decisive battles, and the final conclusion. Post-performance, seize the opportunity for a photo op with the performers.

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Steps: Kenbu Show – Long Version (40 mins.)
  1. 01Greeting & Introduction
    A formal welcome and introduction to the art of Kenbu.
  2. 02Martial Arts Demonstration
    Witness the skills of 'Toho ' or 'Iai', traditional Samurai martial arts.
  3. 03Kenbu Performance
    Enjoy a Kenbu performance illustrating historic tales such as “Fushikian” and “ShijuShitishi”.
  4. 04Samurai History Insight
    Learn about the rich history and life of the Samurai.
  5. 05Sword Technique Demonstration
    Observe the precision and skill in a demonstration of sword techniques.
  6. 06Folding Fan in Samurai Lifestyle
    See how the Samurai utilized the sensu folding fan in their daily lives.
  7. 07Cultural Presentation
    Information about 'Seppuku' or 'Harakiri', and a folding fan performance 'Shochikubai'.
  8. 08Kenbu Master Performance
    A special presentation by the Kenbu Master, featuring parts of the ‘Josai’ or ‘Kiso-Yoshinaka’ performance.

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Kenbu Show – Short Version (10 minutes)

This condensed 10-minute Kenbu Show is a spectacle of martial artistry. Ideal for those combining it with our Samurai class, it offers a swift yet powerful glimpse into the essence of Kenbu. Engage in the art of ‘Toho’ or ‘Iai’, appreciate the fluid performance of Kenbu, and marvel at the disciplined sword techniques and fan handling that define the Samurai lifestyle. The session ends with a respectful bow, a signature close to the show.
Post-performance, seize the opportunity for a photo op with the performers.

❏BOOKING

Kenbu Show - Short Version
Steps: Kenbu Show – Short Version (10 mins.)
  1. 01Introduction to Kenbu
    A quick introduction to the art of Kenbu, setting the stage for the performance.
  2. 02Martial Arts Display
    A swift demonstration of ‘Toho’ or ‘Iai’, essential Samurai martial arts.
  3. 03Kenbu Performance
    A condensed Kenbu performance showcasing the beauty and discipline of the Samurai.
  4. 04Closing Bow
    The show concludes with a traditional bow, a gesture of respect and thanks to the audience.

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Wielding the Sword Experience (10 – 20 minutes)

For those who wish to feel the weight of history in their hands, guests who have not booked a class are invited to try swinging a sword themselves, under expert guidance.

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Wielding the Sword Experience
Steps: Wielding the Sword Experience (10 mins.)
  1. 01Put on the belt and sword
  2. 02Experience how to wield the sword
  3. 03Photo opportunity

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Special programs

Private journey – Katana sword making experience(5 Hours)

Located in Kusatsu City, home to ancient iron ruins, this private journey offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the art of Japanese swordsmithing. Guided by master swordsmith Sadatoyo Tanaka, the last apprentice of Living National Treasure Tsukiyama Teiichi, participants will craft their own small sword using tamahagane, the same top-quality material used for authentic Japanese swords. This unforgettable experience combines hands-on learning with the philosophy and tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.

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Program Schedule:Private journey – Katana sword making experience(5 Hours)
  1. 01Introduction to Swordsmithing
    Master Tanaka will provide an overview of Japanese swordsmithing, sharing insights into tools, materials, and the intricate process of creating a Japanese sword.
  2. 02Crafting the Small Sword
    Participants will learn traditional techniques, including hammering tamahagane with a large hammer, quenching, and engraving their name on the blade.
  3. 03Finishing Touches
    The session concludes with sharpening the blade using a whetstone, ensuring the small sword’s readiness for presentation.
  4. 04Completion Ceremony
    The finished small sword will be placed in a handcrafted wooden box, which participants can take home as a memorable keepsake.
Notes
  • Ages: 12 years and older.
  • Safety Precautions: As fire and heavy tools are used, participants must follow instructions carefully. Those in poor physical condition will not be allowed to participate.
  • Workshop Environment: The temperature may be high depending on the season. Participants are advised to stay hydrated and bring a towel.
  • Facilities: The workshop’s toilet is Japanese style. Participants may prefer to use nearby facilities before arrival.

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Kenbu show (short version)& Samurai experience at a temple(1Hour 15 mins)

Kenbu show(10min): an instrucotor will perform a kenbu (sword dance) and a senbu (folding fan dance) on stage with deteiled narrations.
Lesson(60min): learning the samurai’s etiquette, the way of using the sword & a folding fan, and a kimono rental.
*Acceptable from 2 guest.
NOTE: In most cases, a temple can be secured, but when none of the temples may be available, we will ask you to hold the event at our theater.

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Private Kenbu Show at our Theater(1Hour)

Kenbu show (40min): 2-3 masters perform kenbu (sword dance) and senbu(folding fan dance) on stage with deteiled narrations.
Wielding the sword(15min): enjoy wielding the sword after the show.
*Acceptable for 15 or more guests.
Optional: wearing a kimono

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Musashi’s Journey: A Warrior’s Tour with Shrine Visit

Located 3 kilometers north of Ginkakuji Temple, in a quiet residential area, Hachioji Shrine is a sacred site connected to the legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. This tour offers an immersive experience into the world of Musashi, allowing participants to practice the Japanese sword, walk in his footsteps, and take part in a formal shrine visit, all while learning about Musashi’s philosophy and the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast or simply someone seeking to connect with Japan’s rich history and traditions, this journey will provide an unforgettable experience

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Program Schedule:Musashi’s Journey: A Warrior’s Tour with Shrine Visit
  1. 01Introduction to Musashi’s Journey
    A brief overview of Hachioji Shrine and its connection to legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, setting the stage for the historical experience.
  2. 02Sword Training
    A guided lesson on basic swordsmanship, where participants practice traditional samurai techniques under expert instruction.
  3. 03Historical Pilgrimage
    Retrace Musashi’s steps along Ichijōji-sagarimatsu Pine to Hachioji Shrine, immersing in the history and philosophy of the renowned samurai.
  4. 04Formal Shrine Visit
    Experience a traditional Shinto ceremony, including a formal prayer by the head priest and the sacred kagura dance performed by shrine maidens.
  5. 05Closing Reflection
    The tour concludes with a moment to reflect on Musashi’s philosophy of self-reliance and inner strength, leaving participants with a deeper connection to Japan’s samurai culture.

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Private Samurai Calss for big groups

Lesson(75min): learning the samurai’s etiquette, the way of using the sword & a folding fan. You can choose whether or not to rent a kimono.
Maximum number of guests: 40ppl at our theater, 100ppl at a large rental venue.

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For big groupsPerformance by Kenbu Master

Watch a riveting performance by our instructors who have embodied the spirit of the Samurai. You will be able to enjoy the traditional Japanese singing style “Shigin” along with the beautiful fan dance “Shibu”. We have English explanations of the performance so it will be easy to understand even for absolute beginners.

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  • “Samurai & swords...”
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