Learn the Higo Ko-ryu of Naginata style of fighting samurai

【OUTLINE】

Characterized by a philosophy of ending a confrontation with a single decisive strike, Higo Koryu Naginata was developed in Kumamoto before the mid-1700s. 

Since the end of the Meiji era, when male instructors became scarce, female masters have preserved this tradition. Today, Ms. Hirata carries on this legacy as the school’s 17th Grandmaster.

Wielding a heavy, 2.4-meter wooden pole requires efficient and refined movements. While the forms are simple and lack "flashy" actions, they demand rigorous training in agile body handling and footwork for split-second reactions. This 2-hour plan offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Higo Koryu Naginata through direct instruction from the 17th Grandmaster, Ms. Hirata.

【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 and practice the fundamentals of etiquette, posture, and "Suri-ashi" (sliding steps) directly from the 17th Generation Grandmaster.

[10:50]　[Demonstration] Witness a powerful performance of "Higo Koryu Naginata" by the Grandmaster.

[11:00]　[Naginata Experience] Practice Naginata techniques with a 2.4m wooden pole. We will provide guidance tailored to your specific interests and experience level.

[11:45]　[Photography/change of clothes] Take a commemorative photo at the dojo.

[12:00]    End of Experience

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Haraguchi Suwa Shrine
  47 Haraguchi, Nagomi-machi, Tamana-gun, Kumamoto 865-0124 [MAP]
• Access：
  ■ Access from Fukuoka
  ・Take the highway bus bound for Kumamoto from Hakata Bus Terminal or Tenjin Bus Terminal, and get off at Kikusui IC.
  ・It is a 3-minute walk from the Kikusui IC bus stop.
  ■ Access from Kumamoto
  ・Take the highway bus bound for Fukuoka from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, and get off at Kikusui IC.
  ・It is a 3-minute walk from the Kikusui IC bus stop.
• Language support：Japanese, English (optional)
• Included ：Uniform, Hakama (Traditional pleated trousers)
• 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.
  ・Photos were taken at the previous venue. Currently, the experience is held at a different venue.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%