Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

Nowadays, because of social media, movies, anime, and games, many people imagine iaijutsu as something based on gripping the katana tightly and swinging it with pure strength.

But Seki Nobuhide, the 22nd Headmaster of Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho, clearly says:

“Trying to cut with iaijutsu is an illusion.”

That statement surprises many people.

⚡ “If you are not trying to cut… then how do you defeat the opponent?”

That is exactly the question this video explores.

In this video, we dive deep into the true meaning of iaijutsu and battōjutsu,
and uncover the reality behind the idea of:

「The Iaijutsu That Does Not Cut」

Why did traditional warriors move the way they did?
What was the real purpose behind drawing the katana?
And why do many old schools move so differently from modern expectations?

If you practice iai in any form, this is absolutely a must-watch video. 🎥🔥

7 hours ago | [YT] | 45

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

Only 2 Months Left Before Tickets Are Sold Out… | Negishi-ryu (Ichiden-ryu) Shuriken Camp 2026

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
asayamaichidenryu.shop/products/neigishi-ryu-ichid…

Two months remain.

At this stage, participation requires commitment.

This camp is not designed as a casual introduction.
It is structured, focused training.

For three days, participants will throw repeatedly on proper Japanese tatami targets.
Distance, angle, rhythm, and consistency will be examined in detail.

Instruction will be given directly by Kurosawa Sensei in Negishi-ryu methodology.
On the third day, Tomabuchi Sensei, headmaster of Negishi-ryu, will conduct an official demonstration and Dan grading examination.

The opportunity to train within this formal structure, under both instructors in one event, is uncommon.

As this is the first year of the camp,
those who attend will establish its initial standard.

Two months remain.

Those intending to participate should now finalize their plans.

3 days ago | [YT] | 47

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

Another Chance to Join a FREE Online Lesson ✨

Hello everyone,
This is Shogo, manager of Let’s ask Seki Sensei and representative of the Kyoto branch of Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho.

Just like two weeks ago, the regular online lessons will not be held this week because the sensei will once again be participating in a traditional embu demonstration.

So… I received permission to hold another FREE online lesson in their place — focusing completely on the fundamentals of iaijutsu for beginners!

⸻

⚔️ Free Online Iaijutsu Lesson

📅 Japan Time: May 16th, 2026
🕥 22:30 – 23:30 JST

Zoom Link:
us06web.zoom.us/j/8211939011?pwd=xEc5AThtutafTZOzZ…

Meeting ID: 821 193 9011
Passcode: pleasetry

⸻

“I’ve always been curious… but never took the first step.”

If that sounds like you, this lesson is for you.

Whether you:

* have been interested in online lessons for a long time,
* want to challenge yourself with Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho,
* or are a complete beginner with absolutely no experience…

…please feel free to join us.

You do not need:

* a uniform,
* training equipment,
* or even your camera on.

Watching quietly is completely welcome too 😊

⸻

🌊 A First Step Into a Lifelong Journey

There is a saying in budo that one encounter can change the course of your life.

I sincerely hope this lesson might become the beginning of a martial arts journey that continues for decades to come.

I will do my very best to guide everyone carefully and warmly.

⸻

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message anytime.

Looking forward to meeting you all online! ⚔️

1 week ago | [YT] | 116

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

We Trained “That Technique” at the May 3rd Kyoto Seminar

https://youtu.be/hcjqJ5ffacY?si=dFH7N...

As many of you already know, we recently held a special seminar in Kyoto with Seki Sensei visiting from the headquarters.

The event turned out to be a huge success, with around 35 participants in total, including about 20 general participants along with members from the Osaka and Kyoto branches.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us.
It truly became a very energetic and memorable day of training.

⸻

We Practiced That Technique…

During this seminar, we practiced that technique many of you may remember from the 2024 Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho Training Camp 2024…

The technique explained by Seki Sensei in the video above:

“Ensō” (円相)
https://youtu.be/hcjqJ5ffacY?si=dFH7N...

An advanced Okuden technique.

What makes this kata especially fascinating is that, despite being a very high-level technique, it is actually built from combinations of the fundamental swordsmanship training drill known as Kote Uchi.

In other words, the deepest teachings are hidden inside the basics.

Very much in the spirit of the name Ensō itself:

“The beginning becomes the end, and the end becomes the beginning.”

A technique with incredible depth.

⸻

Returning to the Basics Again and Again

The more we train in Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho, the more we realize that advanced techniques are not separate from the basics.

Rather, they are born from repeating the basics until they naturally become part of your body.

That is one of the reasons why this kata leaves such a strong impression on everyone who practices it.

⸻

Hopefully Again at the 2026 Training Camp…!

Honestly, I’m secretly hoping we might get the chance to practice Ensō again at the 2026 Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyoho Training Camp 2026 as well…!

I’m already looking forward to seeing all of you again this year and training together once more.

Thank you again for your continued support, and see you at the next training session!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 57

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

🔥Join Our Free Online Lesson (starting in about 12 hours)!

Golden Week is just around the corner here in Japan—a special time when holidays line up and many traditional events take place.

Every year, Seki Sensei and the teachers travel to Kyoto to take part in budo events and dedication demonstrations.
Because of this, most of next week’s online lessons will be on break…

But there’s one exception.

⸻

▶ Special Saturday Session (Hosted by Shogo)

I’ll be stepping in to teach the Saturday 10:30 PM (JST) class.

And since this is a rare opportunity…
👉 We’re opening this lesson to everyone for FREE.

⸻

▶ How to Join

🔷

Zoom Link:
us06web.zoom.us/j/8211939011?pwd=5dlFhJ8O6rhFP74W3…

Meeting ID: 821 193 9011
Passcode: tryitout

www.patreon.com/posts/katana-iai-may-2-156558446?u…

🔷

⸻

▶ Who Is This For?

* “I’ve been curious about the lessons”
* “I just want to watch and see what it’s like”
* “I’m a complete beginner—can I join?”

👉 Yes, absolutely. Everyone is welcome.

We’ll be focusing on fundamentals, so even if you’ve never trained before, you can join with confidence.

⸻

▶ Final Message

This is a great chance to experience the training environment and see how we practice together.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 123

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

Only 3 months left before registration closes...

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
asayamaichidenryu.shop/products/e-ticket-ichiden-r…

Three months.

It still sounds like there is time.

But in reality,
this is the point where decisions are made —
or quietly avoided.

Many practitioners tell themselves,

“Maybe next year.”
“Maybe when I’m better.”
“Maybe when timing is perfect.”

But in traditional arts,
timing is never perfect.

It is taken.

Training directly under the Sōke is not just about learning techniques.

It is about exposure.

Exposure to a higher standard.
Exposure to real pressure.
Exposure to what your budo truly looks like — without filters.

Sometimes that experience is humbling.

Sometimes it is shocking.

Often, it is transformative.

For some, these few days become the moment
their training direction changes forever.

This camp happens once a year.

And we cannot guarantee how many more times
this exact opportunity will exist.

Choosing to wait is also a choice.

The question is —
which choice will you respect in five years?

We are opening the dojo doors.

Step through them —
or let them close.

The decision is yours.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 44

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

🔥Join Our Free Online Lesson!

Golden Week is just around the corner here in Japan—a special time when holidays line up and many traditional events take place.

Every year, Seki Sensei and the teachers travel to Kyoto to take part in budo events and dedication demonstrations.
Because of this, most of next week’s online lessons will be on break…

But there’s one exception.

⸻

▶ Special Saturday Session (Hosted by Shogo)

I’ll be stepping in to teach the Saturday 10:30 PM (JST) class.

And since this is a rare opportunity…
👉 We’re opening this lesson to everyone for FREE.

⸻

▶ How to Join

🔷

Zoom Link:
us06web.zoom.us/j/8211939011?pwd=5dlFhJ8O6rhFP74W3…

Meeting ID: 821 193 9011
Passcode: tryitout

🔷

⸻

▶ Who Is This For?

* “I’ve been curious about the lessons”
* “I just want to watch and see what it’s like”
* “I’m a complete beginner—can I join?”

👉 Yes, absolutely. Everyone is welcome.

We’ll be focusing on fundamentals, so even if you’ve never trained before, you can join with confidence.

⸻

▶ Final Message

This is a great chance to experience the training environment and see how we practice together.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 99

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

We Invite you to the "Kobudo Experience in Kyoto (Rokushikan Dojo) with Seki Sensei" May 3, 2026 (Sun)

🎟️ Purchase tickets from the link: letsaskshogoharumi.com/en/products/kobudo-seminar-…

This is a rare opportunity to receive direct instruction in Kyoto from
Seki Sensei,
the 22nd Headmaster of Asayama Ichiden‑ryu Hyōhō
(along with Shogo's interpretation),
whose teachings are usually available only in the Kanto region!

Beginners and people with no martial arts experience are especially welcome!

Perfect for those who:
• Love Japanese culture
• Are interested in kenjutsu
• Want to connect with other budo enthusiasts

Anyone is welcome to join.

If you’ve always wanted to try kobudo,
why not take the leap this Golden Week and experience it for yourself?

🔷 What you will experience:
• Reiho (etiquette)
• Basic stances
• Footwork
• Traditional kata
• Talk and guidance from the headmaster
…and more

🔷 Date & Time:
Sunday, May 3, 2026
① 13:00 – 15:00
② 15:30 – 17:30

🔷 Location:
Kyoto Rokushikan
18-4 Takigi Nishiyama, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan

🔷 Participation Fee:
① ¥5,000
② ¥5,000
①＋② ¥8,000
*Each session has limited capacity

🔷 What to bring:
Please come in comfortable clothes suitable for movement.
If you have iaijutsu / kendo uniform or a bokuto, please feel free to bring them.

Organizer:
Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyōhō Kyoto Dojo
letsaskshogoharumi.com/pages/asayama-ichiden-ryu-k…

📩For inquiries, please contact us via DM:
www.instagram.com/p/DV48JhgknL0/?utm_source=ig_web…

1 month ago | [YT] | 313

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

Only 3 Months Left Before Tickets Are Sold Out… | Negishi-ryu (Ichiden-ryu) Shuriken Camp 2026

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
asayamaichidenryu.shop/products/neigishi-ryu-ichid…

Three months remain.

At this point, serious participants will already be adjusting their schedules.

This camp is built around repetition and correction.

Three days of continuous throwing.
Structured progression from Asayama Ichiden-ryu to Negishi-ryu methodology.
Direct supervision from Kurosawa Sensei.

On the final day, Tomabuchi Sensei, headmaster of Negishi-ryu, will conduct an official demonstration and Dan grading examination.

This is not an open workshop format.

It is formal training within the framework of a koryu tradition.

Proper Japanese tatami targets will be used.
Technique will be evaluated with precision.
Standards will be clear.

As this is the first camp of its kind,
its initial participants will define its reputation.

Three months remain.

Those who wish to take part should now make a definitive decision.

1 month ago | [YT] | 47

Let's ask Seki Sensei | Online Katana Lessons

We Invite you to the "Kobudo Experience in Kyoto (Rokushikan Dojo) with Seki Sensei" May 3, 2026 (Sun)

🎟️ Purchase tickets from the link: letsaskshogoharumi.com/en/products/kobudo-seminar-…

This is a rare opportunity to receive direct instruction in Kyoto from
Seki Sensei,
the 22nd Headmaster of Asayama Ichiden‑ryu Hyōhō
(along with Shogo's interpretation),
whose teachings are usually available only in the Kanto region!

Beginners and people with no martial arts experience are especially welcome!

Perfect for those who:
• Love Japanese culture
• Are interested in kenjutsu
• Want to connect with other budo enthusiasts

Anyone is welcome to join.

If you’ve always wanted to try kobudo,
why not take the leap this Golden Week and experience it for yourself?

🔷 What you will experience:
• Reiho (etiquette)
• Basic stances
• Footwork
• Traditional kata
• Talk and guidance from the headmaster
…and more

🔷 Date & Time:
Sunday, May 3, 2026
① 13:00 – 15:00
② 15:30 – 17:30

🔷 Location:
Kyoto Rokushikan
18-4 Takigi Nishiyama, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan

🔷 Participation Fee:
① ¥5,000
② ¥5,000
①＋② ¥8,000
*Each session has limited capacity

🔷 What to bring:
Please come in comfortable clothes suitable for movement.
If you have iaijutsu / kendo uniform or a bokuto, please feel free to bring them.

Organizer:
Asayama Ichiden-ryu Hyōhō Kyoto Dojo
letsaskshogoharumi.com/pages/asayama-ichiden-ryu-k…

📩For inquiries, please contact us via DM:
www.instagram.com/p/DV48JhgknL0/?utm_source=ig_web…

1 month ago | [YT] | 266