Kyoto Samurai Class
About this activity
Smartphone tickets accepted
English - Your booking is confirmed immediately
- This activity is available in your language
- This option includes FREE cancellation—book now, risk-free!
Experience Highlights
Come to a samurai techniques class in Kyoto and learn, for 60 or 90 minutes, some of the movements practised and executed in combat by these legendary Japanese warriors. In particular, you will practice the Kembu discipline, a samurai art perfected over hundreds of years.
During the class you will have expert instructors and practice sessions that will allow you to learn more about the way these ancient Japanese swordsmen fought. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to participate in a photo session and receive a certificate of completion .
- The class will last 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the time you select.
- Find out about the ancient samurai way of fighting .
- Participate in a photo session and receive a certificate of completion of the class.
What’s included
- Samurai class in Kyoto
- Expert local instructor
- Photo session
- Tenugui towel (traditional Japanese towel)
Select participants and date
Step by Step
In this class you will have the opportunity to learn and practice some of the basic combat disciplines of the samurai, the warrior class that dominated feudal Japan between the 12th and 19th centuries. The duration of the activity will be 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the time you have decided to book .
Before the practice begins, you will watch a short 3-minute film detailing the basic practices of these ancient and legendary Japanese warriors. You will then dress in a samurai uniform and receive instructions from an expert trainer. Among other items, the uniform includes a white belt, Japanese-style socks and, of course, a sword .
You will begin the experience by learning the proper methods of making a traditional Japanese bow, and then begin your sword training with an introduction on how to unsheathe and re-sheathe the sword in its protective sheath. As you try to master this technique, which is more complicated than it sounds, you will also try various methods of swinging the blade.
Kembu is a fighting discipline that originated in Japan and developed from the fighting techniques of the samurai. Although Kembu includes sword movements and other fighting elements, it also focuses on dance, music and acting, and is considered a form of performance art. The aim of Kembu is to express the spirit of the samurai through the beauty and elegance of movement, and in some cases it is used to depict battles and historical scenes.
After the lesson, you will have the opportunity to participate in a short photo session in traditional samurai costume and sword. On leaving the dojo, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you can use to show off to family and friends that you have practised the legendary fighting arts of the samurai.
If you have booked a 90-minute session, you will also learn some of the stylised samurai movements, such as how to walk or how to use the folding fan. You will also practice the choreography of the Kembu discipline and perform a demonstration on stage, brandishing your sword and accompanied by music and a poem.
A fun-filled activity that will allow you to learn about the fighting style of the legendary samurai, as well as deepen your knowledge of Japanese history and culture.
