Samurai Sword Training
Mugairyu: A Historic Swordsmanship School Founded in 1693
Mugairyu is a historic swordsmanship school established in 1693. Its founder, Tsuji Gettan, opened a dojo in Ichigaya. It's noteworthy that Tsuji Gettan is said to be a descendant of the Koga ninja.
Enlightenment at a Zen Temple
Tsuji Gettan achieved enlightenment at Kyukoji, a Zen temple. He often stated, 'The sword and Zen are one and the same.' The 'Mu' in 'Mugairyu' signifies 'Zen' itself. Tsuji Gettan, a Zen practitioner and scholar, had more than 1,000 disciples, including the heads of 32 feudal domains in the Edo period.
Mugairyu Iaido (Starts with a character "i"): A Synthesis of Swordsmanship and Iai
Mugairyu Iaido is a combination of Mugairyu swordsmanship and Jikyoryu Iai. Jikyoryu, a school of Iai, began during the Tenwa period (1681-1683).
The Origins of Iaido
Iaido, originally known as Battodo (Iai jutsu), is believed to have been founded by the swordsman Hayashizaki Jinsuke during the Sengoku to early Edo period. It's a technique that encompasses drawing the sword from its scabbard and sheathing it back while seated.
Distinguishing Features of Iaido
Iaido is characterized by its forms, which are based on the concept of encountering an enemy while 'being seated' in everyday life. Emphasizing the technique of drawing and cutting with the sword from its scabbard, Iaido differs from Kendo, which begins with the opponents already acknowledging each other as adversaries.
Would you like to experience the enchanting art of Iaido at the dojo of 'Mugairyu', considered the strongest school in Japan? Being directly taught by an expert Iaido practitioner in English, and learning about the spirit and etiquette of the samurai, will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory in your lifetime.
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Mugairyu: Strongest Swordsmanship School
The enduring strength of Mugairyu as a martial art can be understood from its historical significance. By the end of the Edo period and into the mid-Meiji era, two of the three renowned swordsmen known as 'The Three Greats of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police' were practitioners of Mugairyu, highlighting its long-standing reputation as a dominant swordsmanship school.
Mugairyu in Popular Culture
Mugairyu has been featured in many films, including 'After the Rain,' the last screenplay written by the famous Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Its protagonist, Misawa Ihei, is a Mugairyu swordsman. Numerous novels, movies, and TV dramas have focused on this swordsmanship style.
Musashinokuni Mugaikai
At the Musashinokuni Mugaikai (Musashi Province Mugairyu Association), practitioners diligently study the 'Mugai Shinden Mugairyu Iai Heiho,' compiled by the 11th generation Mugairyu master Nakagawa Shinichi. Nakagawa was a disciple of Takahashi Kyotaro of the Himeji domain, one of 'The Three Greats of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.'
Private Iaido Experience
The Musashinokuni Mugaikai offers small-group Iaido sessions with the intention of providing careful instruction. These sessions are private, ensuring a valuable experience for participants, and are suitable even for beginners.
Free Rental of Dogi and Hakama
Participants can experience Iaido wearing authentic Dogi and Hakama (a suit for Samurai Sword Training), provided for free by the Musashinokuni Mugaikai. It's an opportunity to feel like a real samurai.
The Spirit of Ancient Martial Arts: Respect and Courtesy
Learning at an authentic Iaido dojo, not just a show for tourists, focuses on the spirit of ancient martial arts. The principle of 'beginning and ending with respect' is a crucial aspect of this training and an invaluable lesson for all students.
Samurai Sword Training Tour Information
Meeting point
Meeting place will be decided upon consultation with the customer.
Tour Duration
Approximately 1 hour.
Including the Kagurazaka street walking tour, it will be a total of approximately 3 hours.
The meeting and dispersal times will be decided after consulting with the customer.
Accessibility
We hope to welcome as many people as possible to the Samurai experience at the Iaido dojo. However, due to the dangers associated with the use of imitation swords, participation is limited to individuals aged 10 and above.
We ask those using wheelchairs to consult with us in advance so we can make the utmost effort to accommodate their participation. Please understand, however, that moving around inside the Iaido dojo with a wheelchair can be challenging, and we cannot guarantee participation for everyone.
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Would you like to experience the enchanting art of Iaido at the dojo of 'Mugairyu', considered the strongest school in Japan? Being directly taught by an expert Iaido practitioner in English and learning about the spirit and etiquette of the samurai will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory in your lifetime.