What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• BEST PRACTICAL KATANA COMBAT LESSON IN JAPAN

  David L,,Dec 5, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Shogo sensei is proficient in his instruction, knowledge, and communication in BOTH English AND Japanese! Shogo sensei has searched all over Kyoto and Japan for the BEST teachers that taught various different styles, but through his search he found THE BEST and MOST PRACTICAL combat style known as Asayama Iciden-ryu in both Iaijutsu and practical combat (Kenjutsu) and is teaching it directly to you in BOTH languages in his personal instruction with Shogo himself at the Hyoho Kyoto dojo…! Shogo’s masterful skill with the katana is a sight to see and he is teaching you his direct form with ease of instruction, calmness, and an unmatched passion which you will see in full display while you train with him at the dojo or even online. Shogo sensei is the one stop shop to learning practical katana combat in Japan with the absolute BEST PRACTICAL COMBAT STYLE. He is so well traveled and connected as well so he knows exactly what is lacking in your output and knows exactly what katana will fit you optimally. Which is why…he also offers a katana purchasing service on this platform as well. Simply inquire with Shogo for further details because you don’t want to miss this service! 10/10 ONE STOP SHOP!

• Brilliant and inspiring session with Shogo Sensei

  29howardj,,Nov 26, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  After collecting an addiction to Japanese culture on a brief visit last year, I began wearing kimonos daily in the UK with the help of ‘Let’s ask Shogo’ and his brilliant instructive and educational videos. I also joined my local dojo and began training in Iaido. Then after seeing Shogo Sensei’s videos on Asayama Ichiden Ryu, I discovered that there would be a three hour class I could attend during my four day stay in Kyoto this year. Shogo Sensei replied immediately to my application to attend and offered to provide equipment that I wasn’t travelling with. The lesson was brilliant! There was at least one other travelling guest student plus some regular attendees. Shogo Sensei leant me a katana for drawing practice, of which we learnt a number of methods. We also looked at various partnered kata work with bokuto. The amount of information shared about the physical ‘language’ of Asayama Ichiden Ryu in three hours was staggering but Shogo Sensei is kind, patient and inspiring. The venue was easy to find and the regular local students were very welcoming and inclusive. What an amazing experience!

  

• 10/10 Would do again.

  Explorer16394387148,,Nov 17, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It was an amazing experience. I really got to feel like a samurai. Even though I didn’t bring a sword, Shogo provided one and made everything feel comfortable and easy to follow. The environment very was welcoming and the whole experience felt authentic. What really sets this apart from other activities I’ve tried is the actual sparring, which made it more fun. I learned a lot, enjoyed myself, and left with a giant smile on my face walking around Kyoto. I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in samurai culture or looking for a unique experience in Kyoto. It’s something I’m definitely going to do again.

• Stop searching - this is The Place

  audreykyoto,,Nov 15, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I had been searching for a place to practise iaido for quite some time, and after trying several dojos, this one is The One. Training a traditional art in Japan can feel daunting as a foreign woman - gender roles, cultural expectations and language barriers can be a challenge. Yet this dojo offers a genuinely safe, welcoming space, with clear bilingual explanations of both the cultural context and the training itself. This is an excellent place to learn iaido at any level. Shogo is a highly skilled instructor whose passion for the art is evident from the moment you meet him. He has a remarkable ability to adapt to each student and instantly see what will help them progress. Be warned—you might find yourself completely addicted!

• Real martial arts class in a Kyoto dojo

  Gonçalo F,,Nov 14, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  First things first: this is a real class where one can learn one of the oldest koryu martial arts around. You’ll train in a dojo with other students and Shogo will make sure that no details are spared when personalizing the experience to your level. I was a beginner when I attended and Shogo guided me through all the foundations necessary to get me up to speed in order to be able to follow the rest of the students and himself. The kenjutsu part, where I got to do pair training with other student using wooden swords was great fun. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn the basics of a proper martial art while visiting Kyoto. Shogo is as good a teacher and a person live as he is in his YouTube channel.

• A MUST for every Katana Kenjutsu enthusiast

  360coreyk,,Nov 5, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Iv been a big fan of Shogos YouTube channel for years now and i finally had the opportunity to attend his Kyoto class. It was honestly well paced and directed. Easy to follow and forgiving enough when it wasnt. I highly reccomend for anyone of all skill levels to join. There is plenty to learn even for people with years of experience in iai or other kenjutsu ryuha. Most importantly though is i had a ton of fun. Shogo keeps the course interesting and fresh. I cant wait to go back to train with the Kyoto branch again!