Experiencing the Essence of Samurai Swordsmanship at Hisui Tokyo

Kaito Suiju gives one-time lessons in battōjutsu as well as regular instruction to more than 50 students.

The entrance to Hisui Tokyo. Japanese swords are also available for purchase.

Nippon.com reporter Hassan dons a kimono and hakama in preparation for his battōjutsu lesson.

Real Japanese swords are on display in the dōjō.

All Japanese martial arts begin and end with good manners. Master and pupil bow to each other before the lesson begins.

Practicing unsoku, the smooth, elegant walk of the samurai that brings to mind a gliding cloud.

Fine-tuning the correct posture for taking aim.

Working up a sweat with practice swings of the sword.

Hassan misses on the first try as the sword simply bounces off the target with a dull thud. He is successful the second time, however, as seen in the video.

The master demonstrates how it is done, slashing upward to cut a piece from the target and then downward in a second swift stroke that splits the flying piece in half.

After every lesson, the master cleans the sword.

A samurai in the making.