Women in Tokyo Can Now Train to Become Katana Masters

The samurai is one of the most powerful images of Japanese history. Bound by a strict code of honor and an uncompromising loyalty to the shogun and the emperor, samurai would kill mercilessly for their ideals, even themselves. However, in the rigid system of ancient Japan, no woman could ever dream of holding the sword of the samurai, called a katana, let alone becoming a warrior for the emperor. However, men are no longer the only gender able to learn the art of katana, a special class in Tokyo taught by Sayuri and Ukon Takafuji bring the ancient techniques of Japanese sword fighting into an energetic fitness program available to all. Katana classes are especially popular for Tokyo women, who are flocking to the classes in droves.