Classes.

If you already have the equipment before starting, you can start with your own gear. However, your equipment will be inspected by the person in charge of the session for safety reasons, in particular the iaitō and the bokutō. Defective or unsuitable katana equipment can be dangerous to yourself and others. In any case, it is not necessary to acquire equipment specifically to get started. Comfortable sports clothing and motivation are enough. The necessary equipment will be loaned to you for the first session. For the rest, the person in charge will be happy to advise you on the acquisition of the equipment.

When you feel ready. However, it is preferable to announce yourself in advance if this is your very first step in the art of wielding the katana. The necessary equipment will be loaned to you for the first session. To make an appointment, simply send us a message. Your request will be answered as soon as possible. Then, all you have to do is show up at the agreed time and place. We will welcome you with pleasure.

No, it is not dangerous, as long as the rules and instructions of the person in charge are respected. We use mogitō (unsharpened swords) during group practice for safety reasons. People taking their first steps in the discipline usually start with a wooden sword to further reduce the risks. Safety is always our main concern and we do everything we can to ensure the safety of everyone. There is no such thing as zero risk, however, especially in martial arts. We therefore expect from participants increased attention, kindness, and respect for the rules, as well as a disciplined attitude. People whose attitude is not compatible with this will be reprimanded, or even expelled if necessary.

Although the katana (Japanese sword) is primarily known and designed for warfare, its origins lie deep in Japanese mythology, making it an object with strong cultural connotations. In Japanese culture, more than just a weapon, the katana is considered a lethal weapon, a work of art and a religious symbol. As such, it plays an important role in Japanese warrior art, history and culture.

In craftsmanship, it is recognized worldwide as a work of art in its own right. The katana is a weapon that can seal destiny through life or death, but it is also imbued with an aesthetic thatis rarely disputed. This dichotomy - death and aesthetics - further amplifies the fascination it can engender.

Practising the wielding of the katana therefore goes far beyond learning a martial art (warrior); it involves immersion in a world brimming with the profoundly Japanese arts of katana-making - from the blade, the saya (scabbard), the tsuka (handle) and the habaki, fuchi, tsukagashira (fittings), right down to the most detailed of assembly elements - but also a rich and fascinating culture, and a quest for spirituality.

Discovering

• A little-known art form;
• A cultural object;
• Art-related uses;
• The shaping of a gentle physical condition.

Mastery

• Of self;
• Movement;
• Balance;
• Techniques and kata;
• Concentration;
• Breathing.

Spirituality

• Self-confidence;
• Trust in others;
• Meditative work.

The katana-related arts teach various techniques that would have - at the time - have made it possible to defeat one or more opponents to be defeated in life-or-death situations. Techniques are performed with an iaitō (a metal katana) or with a bokutō (wooden sword) for those who are still uncomfortable with a metal weapon.

The practice of kata (型) is a training to progress in the art of wielding the katana, but also an approach in the exploration of one's deep inner being. Practitioners find themselves alone with their weapons, facing imaginary opponents. Some see philosophical elements in them, and thus elements for achieving spiritual plenitude.

For all enthusiasts

The katana makes no distinction of age, sex, gender, religion, or physical strength. It is an art that brings people together through its history, culture, aesthetics and spirit. Part of the teaching is based on mastering the wielding of the katana solo, by practising kata (型). As long as one is able to carry the katana, the art can be learned. Besides, there are katana of different sizes and weights. Everyone can find the katana that suits them. Another part of the teaching is in pairs, and allows the study of relationships with others. The exercises are predefined and everyone can train with everyone regardless of weight, height or gender. They are designed to emphasize technique, distance, timing and situational awareness, not to strike a real blow at your training partner. It is not a “combat sport”, but a “martial art”.

For women

In some regions, notably Japan, the katana is very popular with ladies. Not only the aesthetic appeal, but also the culture of the different blade forging traditions, accessories linked to the katana are a definite draw, women seem more apt to appreciate this aspect of the art. Moreover, learning to wield such a beautiful and lethal weapon, without the risk of hitting or being hit by your partner, is rare and particularly attractive. Finally, the traditional uniform – the dōgi – consisting of a hakama (traditional wide pants), an uwagi (upper body garment) and the obi (belt) gives an elegance which is popular among ladies. In some groups, ladies outnumber men.

For children

What child has not one day seen a film, a cartoon, animation, game, or illustrations with a samurai? What child hasn't one day dreamed of being the hero of the story that means so much to them? Children are full of imagination that just needs to be channeled. The art of the katana does not require aggressiveness, but on the contrary concentration, discipline, humility and perseverance. It’s an opportunity to combine dreams with the teachings of life, without risking a black eye or a broken arm.

For families (parent-child relationship)

Activities in general are often exclusively reserved either for children or adults. Football, swimming, boxing, and others are segregated by age categories, sometimes even by weight categories. In the art of katana - at least in the teaching provided by our Association - this distinction is not absolutely necessary. On the contrary, it is beneficial to include everyone. In particular, pair drills are based on kindness, and it is therefore an opportunity to build inter-generational links. In addition, our experience with parent-child groups shows us that they love being able to practice an activity together. This is especially true since the adult does not necessarily have an advantage over the child, because the latter often is more skilled at wielding the katana. It could be that a healthy parent-child “rivalry” could be created and thus strengthen family ties.

Proximity

Our Association is located in Lausanne and our training location is also in Lausanne, close to public transport lines, as well as parking spaces. We are indigenous and understand the local reality.

Skills in training with children and adults

Our person in charge of training was previously holder of J+S level I, level II, then level III diplomas (Youngster & Sport, federally acknowledged sport instructor). In particular, he has coached his club's youngsters, as well as adults, for a total of a dozen years. As a parent and a people person, he knows how to cultivate interpersonal relationships.

Japanese tradition

The style practiced in our Association comes from the teaching of the Grand Master (sōke) of the style, YAHAGI Kunikazu, who perpetuates the transmission of knowledge received from the previous Grand Master, KAWABATA Terutaka. Our person in charge of training, Dr. SENUMA Yoshinori, is a member of the Organization and played a central role in translating the first book on the style's techniques. For people still unfamiliar with this world, he adapts not only this knowledge, but also the knowledge associated with the wielding of the katana, as well as the subtleties of Japanese terms which seem so mysterious to the Western world.

Equipment available

The necessary equipment can be – if necessary – borrowed for the first session. Subsequently, it can be rented or purchased. The person in charge will be happy to guide the person in acquiring quality equipment, if so desired.