How to Become an Authentic Samurai: Real Sword Training in Japan
- Shinya Yamada
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 20
A Global Spotlight on Authentic Samurai Culture: Inspired by SHOGUN and Hiroyuki Sanada’s Message
With the global success of the Emmy Award–winning drama SHOGUN, interest in samurai culture among international audiences is clearly on the rise. At the awards ceremony, Hiroyuki Sanada, who served as both lead actor and producer, emphasized the importance of authenticity, saying:“
What mattered most to me was being authentic. The character I played was Tokugawa Ieyasu, a real historical figure who brought an end to the Warring States period (1493-1573) in Japan. This is not the kind of ‘SAMURAI’ Hollywood has portrayed in the past. This time, we focused on the authentic.”
This renewed focus on authenticity has led many foreign travelers to seek out real samurai experiences, particularly through sword training in iaido dojos. One key appeal is the rare opportunity to try test-cutting with a real sword (katana). However, we hope that travelers go beyond the visual excitement and use this experience as a gateway to understanding the samurai spirit.
From Technique to Tranquility: The Samurai Philosophy Behind Sword Training in Japan
It’s important to understand that iaido dojos in Japan were originally designed for Japanese practitioners—not as martial arts training for self-defense. In fact, simply carrying a live blade in public would be a violation of Japan’s firearms and swords law.
So why do Japanese people study iaido? According to the All Japan Kendo Federation, the philosophy of kendo—and by extension iaido—is “the cultivation of character through the practice of sword principles.” Practitioners train not only to master techniques but also to develop a calm, focused mind. This mental discipline is regarded as a pathway to personal growth and the essence of true training.
Embodying the Samurai Spirit Through the Way of the Sword
Historically, iaido (once known as iaijutsu or battōjutsu) was a martial art intended to prepare for sudden attacks. Yet its ultimate teaching is expressed in sayings like: “Iaido is the way of not being cut, not cutting others, and seeking peace by confronting one’s own flaws.” Rather than drawing the sword, the goal became to realize how to live peacefully alongside others.
That is why the art is called iaidō (“the way”) instead of iaijutsu (“the technique”). The word “dō” implies a lifelong journey of self-cultivation. In iaido, each form (kata) not only refines martial technique but also serves as an embodiment of inner spirit and discipline. This pursuit of internal growth lies at the very heart of the samurai way.
Inazo Nitobe’s Legacy: Understanding the True Meaning of the Samurai Spirit (Bushido)
But what exactly is the samurai spirit (Bushido)? Inazo Nitobe, author of Bushido: The Soul of Japan, who introduced samurai ethics to the world at the end of the 19th century, wrote:
“Bushidō does not place its emphasis on knowledge, but on action.”
“In samurai education, the first and foremost objective is the cultivation of character.”
“True courage is expressed through composure—a calm and settled mind.”
“Even if it may seem like hypocrisy, act with kindness outwardly. Even if the heart lacks compassion at first, consistent action nurtures true kindness.”
In other words, the samurai spirit (Bushido) is best understood as calm, dignified, and kind action rooted in moral integrity. Through practicing the forms of iaido, Japanese students aim to internalize these values and become more complete human beings. We hope that international visitors drawn to samurai sword training will also embrace this deeper spirit and gain a more profound appreciation for Japanese culture.
The Everyday Discipline of the Samurai: Zazen, Tea Ceremony, and the Art of Kumihimo
There are many ways to explore the samurai spirit beyond the dojo. Zen meditation and the tea ceremony, which were part of a samurai’s daily routine, are excellent forms of mental training. Even making kumihimo (traditional cords once used on samurai swords) was considered part of a samurai’s spiritual development.
At our company, we offer a variety of cultural experiences—including iaido sword training, zazen meditation, tea ceremony, and kumihimo workshops. By combining these, you can gain a fuller understanding of the samurai ethos.
Beyond Tourist Shows: Embrace the True Path of the Samurai
We warmly invite you to join one of our experiences. At the dojo, we understand that swinging a sword is not the essence of training. It’s not just about mastering form—it’s about cultivating the heart. The true samurai spirit cannot be learned through tourist shows.
It is precisely because our iaido dojo, Musashinokuni Mugai-kai, is led by seasoned practitioners with decades of training that participants are able to truly learn the spirit of the samurai. And because the experience is private and accompanied by an English-speaking interpreter-guide, guests are free to ask a wide range of questions throughout the session.
Come and discover the spirit behind the blade.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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