Samurai Kenbu®

伝統芸能剣舞の体験・教室・ステージ公演 ーサムライ剣舞ー
Japanese Traditional Sword Performance

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Kenbu

Valiantly dressed in a crested kimono and hakama, the performer vigorously draws his sword for successive displays of fencing techniques while shuffling across the stage. He uses his fan to imitate fallen petals as an expression of the vanity of life, accompanied by the sonorously energetic voice of a poetry reciter in the foreground. Such is kenbu, a performing art established by samurai.

“Kenbu (Gin’ei-kenshibu)” is a traditional Japanese stage performance art that utilizes the Katana (traditional Japanese sword) and Japanese fan while expressing the poems that were mostly written by samurai. In feudal times samurais performed Kenbu to give themselves courage or to achieve mental concentration. In the movie "The Last Samurai" you can see the actor performing Kenbu on the day before the battle.

The “Samurai Kenbu Theater” is a training and performance hall in Kyoto. It was established in 2014 by Magari Auga (successor of the Seiga-ryu) with the general aim to “increase the presence of kenbu.” We offer programs including performances of Kenbu, designed especially for people who have never seen it before, as well as trial lessons where participants can try and practice kenbu with the sword and the folding fan. We welcome any visitor with an interest in kenbu and samurai culture.

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Essences of Kenbu

Essence 1

Essence 1

The leaders of the late Tokugawa period were the first to perform dances with their swords.

As in any other field, the question “when it all began” is difficult to answer precisely also in the case of kenbu. When the sword itself was brought to Japan from the Asian continent,...

Essence 2

Meanings of expression of Kenbu

One of the most famous kenbu programs is “Kawanakajima” This classical Chinese-style poem by Rai Sanyo, a samurai and master of Chinese poetry in the late Edo period, illustrates the rivalry between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen in the sengoku era of civil wars,...

Essence 3

'Samurai’ and ‘Kenbu’

Kenbu is a form of performing arts created by samurai. While there have existed a variety of warrior groups around the world, the “samurai” were a rather exceptional case of a group that ... 

Essence4

Kenbu piece of the month

The author, Otomo no Yakamochi (718-785) was the eldest son of Otomo no Tabito, a powerful chief councilor of state who served the Yamato government in the Nara period. Born into the family of a military officer...

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VIDEOS

Samurai & Kenbu

Explanation of samurai and sword dance

Digest of live online show

We held an online live show in Sept. 2020.

SAMURAI KEMBU TRIP

Broadcasted by in 2011.

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Programs

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FULL LESSON - SAMURAI CLASS (75MIN)

Kyoto / Tokyo

An authentic course which allows you to experience the Samurai Spirit through performing “Kenbu”, a traditional Japanese art. Learn basic techniques of “Kenbu” such as handling a Japanese sword, performing slashing techniques and some simple samurai actions. You can also learn how to handle a Japanese fan and the way of bowing and walking in traditional arts. We have many outfits (Kimono and Hakama) used in actual “Kenbu” performances available during the workshop. Feel free to choose whichever you prefer. We recommend the gold-brocaded Hakama for those who want to try something special. There is some time allocated for picture-taking after changing into the costumes. The instructor will help you with some cool Samurai poses.

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KENBU SHOW

Kyoto

The Kenbu stage show is performed by our kenbu masters. You can satisfy your intellectual curiosity with in-depth talks.

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REGULAR KENBU TRAINING

Kyoto JPY5000~/Month

If you are a Japanese resident, you are welcome to enter our Kenbu school.    *We do not accept online reservations. Please contact us by E-mail.

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  • Visiter's Voice

    This is a must-do experience for anyone that wants to learn about samurai.

    This was one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. The staff was friendly, spoke great English, and was very knowledgeable.

    My father and I opted for the full lesson with costumes, and had a great, fun time. The costumes were gorgeous and we were able to take a lot of pictures.

    I really can't say enough good things about this place, you should go and experience it for yourself!

  • Visiter's Voice

    Awesome!

    Today's samurai class was an absolutely amazing experience.

    We were dressed up as Samurai and learnt sword striking techniques.

    At the end of the class we even performed and recorded an exert from a famous Japanese poem - great memory!

    You should definitely book the full class.

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Staff

  • Team Member

    AUGA MAGARI (CEO)

    One of the Successors to SEGIARYU Kenbu School.
    Founded Samurai Kenbu Theater in 2014.

    Team Member

    HISYO ISHIDA

    The Successors to SHOTEN-SHINDORYU Kenbu School.

    Team Member

    RYUNOSUKE MAGARI

    One of the Successors to SEGIARYU Kenbu School.

  • Team Member

    HOUGA TOMODA

    Entered SEIGARYU Kenbu school in 1994.
    Obtained the title of 'Shihan'(Master) in 2014.

    Team Member

    EIKI KIMURA

    Entered HOKUSHIN-SHINOURYU Kenbu school in 2000.
    Obtained the title of 'Shihan'(Master) in 2014.

    Team Member

    HYOUGA KONNO

    Entered SEIGA Kenbu school in 2011.
    Obtained the title of 'Kyoshi'(Instructor) in 2019.

  • Team Member

    KYOGA YUNOKI

    Entered SEIGARYU Kenbu school in 2011.
    Obtained the title of 'Kyoshi'(Instructor) in 2020.

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Contact Us

COMPANY Info.

Ginbu Co.,Ltd.

kyoto@samurai-kenbu.jp

https://www.ginbu.co.jp/ (Japanese)

School of Kenbu, Demonstrations, Corporate training, Special classes at schools

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