Would you like to learn samurai sword fighting so that you can fight like the samurai warriors of old? You can find the right dojo or martial arts school near you in our club directory! We list clubs and schools of all sword fighting styles in our directory. You are guaranteed to find the school or club best located for you.
Fight like a samurai
The samurai (or bushi) were the warriors of pre-modern Japan. Throughout history, they eventually became the highest-ranking social class of the Edo period (1603-1867) in Japan. They used a variety of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and pistols. However, their main weapon and symbol has always been the sword or katana.
Samurai should live their lives according to the Code of Ethics Bushido ("the way of the warrior"). Due to its strongly Confucian nature, Bushido teaches concepts such as unconditional loyalty to one's master, self-discipline and respectful, ethical behaviour. Many samurai also studied the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism.
Unlike today, martial arts was not a hobby for the samurai of the time, but a vital survival skill. For this reason, a samurai's combat training began at an early age. The samurai could then perfect his skills on the battlefield and in duels.
Learn samurai sword fighting today
Nowadays, of course, sword fighting is learnt for different reasons than it was for the samurai of ancient Japan. Nevertheless, the teachings and skills of the samurai of that time are still taught to students today.
The most famous samurai sword fighting styles
On the one hand, it is possible to learn sword fighting according to the "old school" (Koryū) or newer fighting styles. To give you an overview, we have listed the most common sword fighting styles here.
Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu involves training how to use the katana in combat.
Iaijutsu
The aim of Iaijutsu is to incapacitate the opponent during or immediately after drawing the sword.
Kendo
Kendo is the Japanese art of fencing. It is fought with the shinai, a bamboo sword, and in armour.
Iaido
Iaido is the art of effective sword drawing.