No. We don’t offer a free trial.

We do have two options instead:

• Paid trial: You can start with a paid trial period so you can actually train on the mat before committing long-term.

• Class observation: You’re always welcome to sit in and observe a full class at no charge before deciding if it’s a good fit.

Short version: we don’t do free trial classes. We keep the mat small, provide all the gear, and put a lot of focus into each person training, so we reserve those spots for students who are genuinely ready to commit and be part of a long-term warrior-scholar community. If you want to get a feel for us first, you can book a paid trial or come in to observe a class and talk with Sensei afterward.

Tasai Ryu is Saboten Kenjutsu’s signature sword curriculum, developed from samurai-lineage training and modern chanbara. Students learn footwork, cutting mechanics, timing, and controlled sparring, with a clear path from fundamentals to advanced application.

No. Most adults and teens start as complete beginners. Classes scale intensity to your level, and you build conditioning over time through structured drills and partner work.

We run separate tracks for youth, teens, and adults.

• Youth: foundation, self-control, and discipline through safe sword drills.

• Teens: a structured three-year path to black belt.

• Adults: focused training designed for “weekend warriors” with real-life schedules.

Class size is intentionally small because mat space is limited and we train in close quarters. That lets Sensei actually coach each student instead of running a crowd.

We use high-quality padded weapons, safety gear, and controlled contact. Contact is real, but progression is gradual and students are expected to protect training partners, not “win at all costs.”

Members train with dojo-approved gear. We provide and maintain shared equipment for regular students, and we’ll walk you through buying your own set when you’re ready. Because gear is limited and carefully maintained, it’s reserved for committed students rather than casual drop-ins.

We do offer paid drop-in and punch-card options, but long-term members get priority for space and coaching. Drop-in students are expected to own their own gear and follow the same standards on the mat as regular members.

Our teen track is built as a three-year black belt program with clear attendance, testing, and leadership expectations. That gives students a documented history of discipline, commitment, and competitive experience they can list on applications and talk about in interviews.

Saboten Kenjutsu is a small school for “warrior scholars”—people who want serious technical training, are willing to think about what they’re doing, and show up for their training partners. We value consistency, respect, and honest effort more than raw talent.