Published on Jun, 2024
I was invited to take part in this with Paul Martin, who is one of the greatest living non-Japanese experts on Japanese swords. He did not tell me anything beforehand. Despite having practiced some Japanese sword techniques with an imitation sword, I had never cut tatami before and was a bit nervous. I got to dress up like a Samurai. The Sensei, both spent time patiently teaching us their 5 sword kata, then demonstrated cutting, then it was my turn and WOW! Awesome experience to cut with a live Japanese sword with the descendants of the real last samurai. I told Paul afterwards I think they should double the price because the experience is so authentic, rare, and truly once in a lifetime. Don't miss this!