Bushido experience

Spreading the greatness of Bushido
from Japan to the world.

　EMI-TAS offers as many people as possible the opportunity to experience the unique Japanese outlook on life and spiritual culture known as “Bushido” through swordsmanship experiences.

　The Bushido Experience Tour allows you to experience real swordsmanship in a traditional Japanese dojo. You will receive direct instruction from the dojo owner, Shiina Kazue Naritane, the seventh head of the Chiba family’s Hokushin Itto-ryu school. After the experience, you will be issued a certificate of completion, which will be a lifelong keepsake. In addition, those who wish to formally join the school will have the opportunity to do so after an interview. We also provide consultation on purchasing Japanese swords.

　The experience is broadly divided into two courses: a “test cutting experience” and a “one-day Bushido experience.” Participants from overseas are also welcome. The head of the school has multiple dojos overseas, and in addition to on-site instruction several times a year, he also provides online instruction every week, so it is possible to provide a fulfilling experience for overseas participants as well.

About Hokushin Itto-ryu

　Hokushin Itto-ryu swordsmanship was founded by the genius swordsman Chiba Shusaku, who combined Hokushin Muso-ryu and Itto-ryu. At the time it was said to be the best swordsmanship in Japan, and boasted the largest number of disciples in the country.

　Hokushin Itto-ryu has four main characteristics. First, Shusaku was a good person. Second, Shusaku was intelligent, so his teachings were logical and easy to understand. Third, because of this, his students improved quickly (this earned him a reputation). Fourth, the dojo had a harmonious atmosphere. This tradition continues in our dojo.

　When the Meiji era came to an end, a national organization called the Butokukai was formed, and swordsmanship and kendo were unified. At that time, the head professor of kendo was Naito Takaharu, a professor of Hokushin Itto-ryu. In other words, kendo was created based on the ideas and techniques of Hokushin Itto-ryu. Until the war, kendo had a great influence as a source of spiritual support for the Japanese people. There were only five people with the 10th dan in kendo, and most of the kendo instructors before the war were students of Naito Sensei, and Hokushin Itto-ryu kendo was widely accepted as the way of the samurai.

　However, after the war, group instruction like that of school kendo became mainstream, dojo training fell into disuse, and true kendo collapsed. Modern kendo has lost its way, with matches and ranks as its goals. There is no longer any samurai blood flowing through it. Other martial arts organizations are no longer seen to be conveying the essence of martial arts. Hokushin Itto-ryu is no exception, and there are many people calling themselves the head of the school.

　You may be wondering which one is the real deal, so please do your research and don’t be fooled. If you come to the dojo, I would be happy to explain the details.

7th head of Hokushin Itto-ryu
Shiina Kazue Naritane

・Seventh Head of Hokushin Itto-ryu, Chiba Family Orthodox School
・Instructor of Jikishinkage-ryu Swordsmanship
・Representative of Kendo Hall Floor Construction “Busho-kosha”
・Chairman of the Japanese Traditional Culture Preservation Society

　Born on May 17, 1953 (Showa 28) in Ryugasaki City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

　Currently living in Ibaraki Prefecture. Seventh Head of Hokushin Itto-ryu. His sword name is Naritane.

　After graduating from university, he trained in kendo. At age 31, he became a mathematics teacher at a public junior high school, and retired at age 52. In the same year, he founded “Busho-kosha,” a company specializing in dojo floor construction. While teaching kendo around the world, he has built dojos in Japan and overseas as an expert in kendo hall floor construction. He wrote a martial arts serialization in the national newspaper “Kendo Nippon” for 10 years, and was praised as “an unparalleled kendoist with an outstanding sense of martial arts.”

　In 2013 , he succeeded to the head of Hokushin Itto-ryu.

　Currently, he is active not only in Japan but also around the world, writing a column on martial arts for the magazine The Japan Times (Las Vegas).

Contents of the experience

Try out the sword-cutting experience

What you can gain from this experience

Visualize your mind, master an unwavering mind

　Through the test-cutting experience using an actual sword, you can visualize the movements of your mind, which are usually invisible. Participants will become aware of their own emotional turmoil, explore the causes of it, and aim to acquire an unwavering mind.

Contents of the experience

・Preliminary introductory ceremony
・Bushido lecture
・Sword test-cutting experience
・Impression sharing session
・Certificate of completion

Duration of experience

About 3 hours

　The duration may vary slightly depending on the number of people participating at once, but the experience will take about 3 hours from the introductory ceremony to the presentation of the certificate.

Eligibility

In principle, participants must be 18 years of age or older.

　Beginners, women, and anyone can participate, but because a Japanese sword will be used, participants must be 18 years of age or older. (※Please consult in advance if you would like to bring children or accompany you.)

Conditions for participation

Those who are willing to not only enjoy the experience but also face themselves

　The purpose of the test cutting experience is not just to cut with a Japanese sword. The real purpose is to look at the state of mind of each participant, whether they want to realize something through the test cutting or make a decision. What changes occur in the mind before and after the experience are important. Of course, we hope you will enjoy the “test cutting” experience, which is something you don’t usually get to experience, but we also welcome the participation of anyone who wants to face themselves even a little and make their life better.

Location of the sword-trimming experience

Hokushin Itto-ryu Headquarters Dojo “Sonjyo-kaku”

　Our dojo is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounded by nature, making it the perfect environment for reflecting on your inner self.

address

　5-13-7 Jonouchi, Ryugasaki City, Ibaraki Prefecture
*There is a parking space on the premises, so you can come by car.

Experience fee

　Please contact us using the inquiry form.
・We will submit a quote within a few days.
・Discounts are available depending on the number of people participating.
・As an optional service, we can record a video of the experience and give it to you as a “commemorative movie.” Please refer to the quote for details.