Kendo/Samurai experience Tour In Okinawa

What a pleasure to meet Our guide: Taiji Yamakawa! My son and I took a bucket list trip to Okinawa and wanted to learn more about the Kendo martial art. This Kendo experience was very informative, intimate, and great exercise too! Our guide explained to us the practices of Kendo and the importance of respect and to be passionate with the movements and sounds. We were fitted with our Dogi and Hakama (Kendo upper and lower garments) and taught step by step basic moves, stances, parts of our equipment, and how to use the Shinai (bamboo sword) If you are not Japanese speaking, it would be hepful to bring a translator tool to ask more in depth questions. We have gained so much respect for this martial art and the skill and discipline it takes. This IS a very physical activity, so stay hydrated and prepare to sweat! Next, it was time to battle each other and put all the moves together! Thank you for such a memorable experience Taiji! We look forward to hearing about your championships!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely the highlight of our Okinawa trip! Coach Yamakawa Taiji was incredibly patient and professional — he taught us how to hold the shinai, move properly, and attack the three target areas, all within a short session. We were the only two participants that day, so it felt like a private lesson in a massive dojo. The balloon sparring match at the end was genuinely fun and surprisingly competitive. Fair warning: your throat will give out before your arms do. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a truly unique Okinawa experience! 沖縄旅行のハイライトでした！山川泰二コーチはとても丁寧で、竹刀の持ち方・足の運び・面・小手・胴の三つの基本動作をわかりやすく教えてくれました。その日は私たちふたりだけだったので、広大な道場を貸し切り状態で、まるでプライベートレッスンのよう。最後の風船対決が本当に楽しかった！声を出しすぎて喉がやられましたが、それも含めて最高の思い出です。ぜひまた来たいです！

This was an amazing experience with an awesome instructor! Our instructor was patient and helpful when explaining the stances and phrases. We ended with a fun 'battle' putting to use what we've learned. I highly recommend this activity for something exciting to do while visiting Okinawa ~ you won't regret it!

It’s an incredible experience to learn Kendo under the guidance of a master. We learned from proper greetings and posture to sparring, competition, and the history behind it. A must-try experience when you visit Okinawa!

We have a great time in the Kendo lesson. The teacher is very kind and patient. Though he can speak some English only, but the instructions and demonstrations are very clear. We really enjoy the class a lot. And now we are able to watch the Kendo competition and understand the rules a bit :p