Naha 2026 Calendar of Events

My daughter and I had such a wonderful experience learning Kendo from Taiji. He was very patient teaching us foundational techniques. I wish I could’ve had more lessons.

Amazing experience. Taiji was very friendly and professional. Great instruction and fun! Very safe! Will go again!

I was intrigued to experience a Kendo session. I’ve had martial arts exposure and while on my trip to Okinawa, wanted a small group instruction. My instructor, Taiji, was excellent in bringing out good energy and provided a comfortable/informative experience. I enjoyed his guidance in basic techniques and history of the art of Kendo. I highly encourage anyone with an interest to take the class. It added a dimension of cultural value to my Japan trip.

I had a wonderful time at the Samurai Trip kendo experience class. The Sensei was extremely helpful, with an incredibly dynamic and engaging demeanor. I attended solo, and was one of three in a mixed group. We all had a fantastic time! It was super fun. I highly recommend this to anyone.

We all loved it. It was so very well organised, with a real Japanese spirit, and ideal for younger and older participants. It was a very beautiful discovery of this par of Japanese culture. Thank you !

It was a wonderful experience. It gave us the desire to continue. A special thank you to our guide Taiji Yamakawa .

If you are looking for a very authentic experience but also a lot of fun and educational, this is the class. What an amazing two hours! I can’t recommend this experience more. My wife and I absolutely loved it!

It is a great introduction to the basics of kendo. The lesson gives the participants an overview of the characteristics and guides them through the rules and principles. We had a wonderful time trying out this exceptional art. Many thanks to our teacher Taiji Yamakawa.

Small group and attentive teacher.

What a pleasure to meet Our guide Taiji Yamakawa! My son and I took a bucketlist trip to Okinawa and wanted to learn more about the Kendo martial art. This Kendo experience was intimate, informative, and great exercise too! Our guide explained to us the importance of respect in the Kendo spirit and to be passionate with movements and your voice. We were fitted with our Dogi and Hakama (upper and lower garments) and taught step by step basic movements, strike points, equipment names, stances and how to use the Shinai (bamboo sword). If you are not Japanese speaking, it is helpful to bring a portable translator tool/app to ask more in depth questions easier. Our guide was very patient and helpful with corrections for a proper experience. This is a very physical activity so stay hydrated and prepare to sweat. Next, it was time to battle each other and exhibit all we had learned. Thank you Taiji for such a memorable experience! Thank you for opening the sacred space of the Dogo for us. We look forward to hearing of your championships! Go shidō itadaki kōeideshita. Arigatōgozaimashita!

Excellent and attentive teacher. Ex Okinawa champion. Made the whole experience fun and informative.

Amazing experience!!! I booked this trip before traveling to Okinawa from US and Kenshi was super helpful in answering all my questions and guiding me through scheduling, location and payment. Very considerate and informative. Taiji was the instructor for me and my son and he was an excellent teacher and guide!! He helped us to understand some of the history, all of the introductory moves, dressing in the dogi, hakama and respect for the Budokan. We also got to watch and learn competition moves and scoring system. Taiji is encouraging, professional, friendly and took all the nervousness away. We are so grateful to him for this experience we will never forget!!!

Our instructor was great! He was patient, funny, and attentive. He made our first Kendo class a fun experience! I highly recommend!

Fantastic experience with Taiji Sensei! Although his English is limited, his directions were very clear. I really enjoyed this experience and would do it again!

I highly recommend this session! This was a proper training for the beginers. I enjoyed learning basic moves and rules of kendo. My sensei was Taiji, very dedicated kendo practitioner with more then 20 years of experience. It was amazing to learn from him! Thank you!

What an amazing experience! Our instructor Taiji was incredible at teaching us the basic moves of Kendo and helping us understand the history. Would definitely recommend to anyone!!