Overseas Katana Dojos — The Contemporary World of Foreign Communities Practicing Iaido and Kenjutsu

The Current State of Katana Practice Spreading Around the World

The word "Katana" may today be more widely recognized abroad than within Japan. Dojos for iaido, kenjutsu, and battōdō have been established around the world — in Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East — and the number of foreign practitioners who take up shinken is steadily increasing.

It is difficult to determine the exact numbers, but federation organizations for kendo and iaido-related disciplines have spread to countries around the world, primarily in Europe, and dojos led by dan-ranked instructors are no longer uncommon outside Japan. In some countries, systems are being put in place to allow dan examinations to be taken locally. The history of the development of iaido itself is covered in detail in The Historical Development of Iaijutsu — From Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu to Modern Iaido: The System of Drawing Techniques and Their Influence on Sword Culture.

The Background Behind the Establishment of Overseas Dojos

Several overlapping factors lie behind the spread of iaido and kenjutsu overseas.

The first is interest in the "aspect of spiritual cultivation" that Japanese martial arts possess. A practice format that emphasizes dialogue with oneself, distinct from competitive sports, resonates strongly with martial arts enthusiasts in Europe and the Americas in particular. There are many cases of people seeking enrichment in their leisure time or mental stability who choose iaido alongside tai chi and yoga.

The second is the influence of visual media. Beginning with the films of Kurosawa Akira, and continuing with works such as "The Last Samurai," "Kill Bill," and "Demon Slayer," visual works featuring nihontō have continued to be supplied to the global market. The flow of viewers who encounter such works and develop the motivation to "learn the real techniques" continues to this day.

The third is the role of the internet and video platforms. On YouTube and Instagram, practice videos for iai are published in multiple languages including Japanese, English, and Spanish, and in many cases these serve as motivation for joining a dojo.

Swords Used in Practice — From Iaito to Shinken

The "relationship with the sword" that overseas practitioners follow often begins with an iaito (an alloy practice sword). Because iaito are less expensive than shinken, are safer, and face comparatively fewer export restrictions, they are appropriate as the first sword for beginners.

Among practitioners who have acquired a certain level of skill and knowledge, many come to seek shinken (actual forged nihontō). This is because using a nihontō for live-blade practice allows one to directly experience the essential differences in weight, balance, and the way the blade enters compared to an iaito, leading to a deepening of technique.

However, acquiring shinken requires dealing with the laws and regulations of each country. The procedures are complex: the Agency for Cultural Affairs' old art export inspection certificate and the return of the registration certificate when exporting from Japan (Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, "When Exporting Firearms and Swords"), and the handling of documents equivalent to import country blade regulations and registration certificates, among others. At overseas dojos, there is a growing trend of instructors guiding students on acquiring shinken through trusted Japanese sword dealers.

Checkpoints When Choosing a Dojo Overseas

For overseas residents looking for an iaido or kenjutsu dojo, keeping the following points in mind can help avoid mistakes.

• Lineage and transmission: What school and organization is the dojo affiliated with? Is it clearly stated where and under whom the instructor studied?
• Backing of rank and qualifications: What organization issued the instructor's dan rank? Can the name of the federation to which they belong be confirmed?
• Possibility of observation and trial classes: Can one observe practice before joining? Dojos that are open to public observation are often confident in the quality of their instruction.
• Safety management: In cases where practice with shinken is conducted, are there standards for the number of years of experience and level of skill required to be permitted to use them?

Because it is a field with many beginners who become interested through visual works, discerning whether a dojo teaches the fundamentals systematically is particularly important.

Pitfalls When Handling Shinken

There are several points where overseas practitioners tend to stumble when transitioning to shinken.

The first is using decorative replica swords sold for display or ornamental purposes in practice. Decorative swords are not built with the strength required for swinging, and using them in practice can lead to breakage and accidents. Practice iaito and decorative items must be clearly distinguished.

The second is insufficient care. Nihontō are made of iron, and if the skin oil and sweat from practice are left on the blade, rust will develop. Making it a habit to wipe the blade and apply a thin coat of oil after practice is the prerequisite for preserving a sword over the long term.

The third is neglecting to inspect the fittings, including the mekugi. Looseness in the mekugi — which secures the tsuka to the blade — can lead to serious accidents, so inspection before practice is essential.

The fourth is insufficient confirmation of legal regulations. Rules regarding the possession and transport of swords differ greatly by country and region. It is safest to confirm the local regulations, including how to transport to the dojo and how to store at home, and to also consult the instructor at one's dojo. These protocols for handling swords can themselves be considered part of what one should learn at a dojo.

The Connection Between Overseas Practitioners and Nihontō Culture

The circumstances through which overseas practitioners come to take an interest in nihontō are diverse, but a common thread is that as they continue their practice, their interest in the methods of sword making, provenance, and history deepens. Through visiting the Japanese Sword Museum when they have the opportunity to visit Japan, or undergoing intensive practice under Japanese instructors, their connection to sword culture grows stronger. The real picture of such overseas-based collectors is also introduced in The World of International Collectors — Foreigners Who Love Nihontō.

The presence of such overseas practitioners is becoming an increasingly important customer base for the sword industry as well. Foreigners seeking their first shinken, or advanced practitioners looking for higher-quality swords as their practice deepens — the demand for online marketplaces capable of meeting these needs is steadily growing.

The existence of foreign communities that connect with nihontō culture despite language barriers and differences in legal regulations is itself testament to the universal appeal of nihontō.