【STORY】

Characterized by a one-sword deathblow, the Higo old-style naginata(Long Sword), which uses weapons as long as 8 shaku (approximately 2.4m) was developed in Kumamoto before the mid-1700s.
Since the end of the Meiji era when there were no male instructors, female instructors have preserved the tradition, and currently, Ms. Hirata is the 15th head of the school.

When using a heavy and long weapon that is eight shaku (about 2.4m), there are few movements and moves, the form is simple, and although there is no ""flashy"" movement, training in body handling and foot handling is required to move quickly. This is a 90-minute plan where you can experience the authentic Higo old-style naginata directly from Ms. Hirata, the head of the family.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Experience the Higo Koryu style straight from the female master who will pass it on to the next generation.
• Learn the spirit of the samurai through a samurai swordsmanship experience.
• Enjoy a full-fledged experience of facing your inner self which is a part of the real essence of martial arts.
  

【SCHEDULE】 

[10:00]　[Change of clothes] Change into clothes that are easy to move in. *No need for those who have already changed.
[10:20]　[Basics] Learn from the 15th head of the school about the basics such as etiquette, behavior, and sliding feet, and put them into practice.
[10:50]　[Dance] Appreciate the performance of Higo Koryu Naginata.
[11:00]　[Swordsmanship experience] Learn swordsmanship with a long sword of about 2.4m.
[11:20]　[Photography/change of clothes] Take a commemorative photo at the dojo.

【DETAILS】

Learn Kumamoto's original style of naginata (a type of Japanese pole weapon) from the 16th head of the Higo Koryu school. Your lesson will focus on not only how to use the naginata, but also on how to use and balance your body, which are important skills that are applicable to other martial arts and sports. Higo Koryu is focused on defeating an enemy in a single blow, resulting in a style of fighting that is less flashy than other schools but closer to the fundamentals of budo. This lesson is a must for those with previous martial arts experience as it offers a rare insight into a very unique style of fighting.

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：90 minutes
• Meeting point：Ryujokan dojo
  1-4-7 Izumi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 862-0941 [MAP]
• Access：
  ■ Access from Kumamoto Station
  Kumamoto City Tram) Get off at Suizenji Koen Station (35 minutes) 2 minutes walk
  JR Line) Get off at Shin-Suizenji Station (5 minutes) 12 minutes on foot
  Bus) Suizenji Koen-mae bus stop (about 30 minutes) 1 minute walk
  
  ■ Access from Aso Kumamoto Airport
  Bus) Get off at Suizenji Koen-mae (about 30 minutes) and walk 1 minute
  
  
• Language support：Japanese, English (optional)
• Included ：Uniform, Hakama (a type of divided shirt for men)
• Excluded：English speaking guide (optional)
  
• Clothes：Clothes that are easy to move in
• Free Wi-Fi ：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western style)
• Other things to note：An optional English guide can be reserved up to 5 days before the experience date. Thank you for your understanding.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price