Tameshigiri in Mugai-ryu Iaido — Competing in “Nuki-soku-zan”

Drawing the sword and striking in a single instant.

A major feature of this championship is the competition in Mugai-ryu Iaido’s “Nuki-soku-zan.” Starting with the sword sheathed, competitors execute the initial strike practiced in kata to actually cut tatami mats.

Rather than drawing the sword beforehand and striking from a stance, the draw itself constitutes the strike. In that single moment, posture, distance (ma-ai), sword drawing motion, trajectory, and blade angle (hasuji) are all evaluated.

The goal is not simply to sever a tatami mat.

It is to test whether the Mugai-ryu Iaido techniques practiced daily are capable of true cutting. It verifies whether the principles and body mechanics learned in kata transfer directly into an actual cutting strike.

Tameshigiri in Mugai-ryu Iaido serves as a proving ground to verify these techniques using a Japanese sword (Nihonto).

Kata, Yakusoku Kumitachi, Jiyu Kumitachi®, and Tameshigiri
— “The Four-in-One Art”

At Hokyokai, we practice Kata, Yakusoku Kumitachi, Jiyu Kumitachi®, and Tameshigiri as a “Four-in-One Art” where each element mutually validates the others.

• Kata (Forms)
  Learning techniques, principles, and physical movement.
• Yakusoku Kumitachi (Pre-arranged Sparring)
  Understanding distance, timing, and opportunities for offense and defense against an opponent.
• Jiyu Kumitachi® (Free Sparring)
  Testing whether learned techniques and judgment function against an unpredictable opponent.
• Tameshigiri (Target Cutting)
  Verifying whether the sword line and blade angle can actually cut a target.

What is gained in one discipline is fed back into the other three for re-verification.

The target cutting contested in this tournament exists within this cyclical process. It does not end with the simple outcome of cutting a target; practitioners take the insights and challenges back to their kata and kumitachi training to further refine their Mugai-ryu technique.

For What Purpose Is Strength Used? — “Zen”

Refining skills, gaining the ability to cut, and becoming capable of fighting an opponent—for what purpose should that strength be used?

Hokyokai holds a core guiding principle:

“Mugai-ryu without Zen is mere violence.
Mugai-ryu without technique is mere delusion.”

The Four-in-One Art polishes techniques and verifies whether they function in reality. Zen, meanwhile, is for confronting oneself—the one who wields that power.

Tsuji Gettan, the founder of Mugai-ryu, pursued Zen meditation alongside his swordsmanship training. It is said that the name “Mugai-ryu” was born from a line in a Zen poem (Ge) bestowed upon him: “Ippo Jitsumu Gai” (There is no other real truth outside the One Ultimate Law).

The true spirit of Mugai-ryu lies in cultivating both martial technique and Zen mind together without separating them.

To Kencho-ji, a Place of Zen, for the Milestone 10th Event

Past editions of this championship have been hosted at historic landmarks across Japan:

• 2022: Fukuoka Castle – Tamon Yagura (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)
• 2023: Matsumoto Castle (National Treasure)
• 2024: Goryokaku in Hakodate, marking 155 years since the Hakodate War
• 2025: Nagoya Castle, home of the Owari Tokugawa clan

For the milestone 10th championship in 2026, the event moves to Kencho-ji Temple, founded by Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, and holding the highest rank among Kamakura’s Five Great Zen Temples.

Choosing this venue allows us to return once again to “Zen,” with which Mugai-ryu has been deeply connected since its founding.

Refining the Four-in-One Art while questioning the mind that wields that strength—with this meaning, swordsmen gathering from across Japan will compete in Mugai-ryu Iaido at Kencho-ji Temple.

All Japan Championship Held in the Year of 17th Soke Succession

On July 4, 2026, during the “ZAN – 10th All Japan Iaido Championship: Jiyu Kumitachi®” held at Yokohama Martial Arts Regional Arena (Yokohama Budokan), the Menkyo Kaiden conferral ceremony and Mugai-ryu succession ritual were conducted.

Hogyoku Takeda, having been awarded Menkyo Kaiden by Gyokuso Niina, the 16th Soke, succeeded as the 17th Soke of Shiokawa/Niina-den Mugai-ryu.

This 10th All Japan Tameshigiri Championship marks a new era for Mugai-ryu, passed down for over three centuries.

Honing inherited techniques through daily practice, testing them, and passing them on to the next generation—this ongoing commitment will be demonstrated in Kamakura in this historic succession year.

Iaido Kata Demonstration by Junior & Youth Generations

On the day of the event, junior and youth practitioners will also present a Mugai-ryu Iaido kata demonstration.

Through kata training, children learn sword etiquette, posture, and traditional manners (shosa), engaging with martial arts according to their age and experience level.

Swordsmen competing in live-blade tameshigiri, alongside the young generation growing up in their footsteps—

In Kamakura, the ancient samurai capital, witness the techniques and spirit of Mugai-ryu being passed down across generations.

Event Overview

Championship Officials

Special Site & Official Trailer

Event Website: http://all-japan-tameshigiri.jp/

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/LWgyzHfeq8g?si=WA7OSFwwYhlaR9l-

[ For Press & Media ]

We welcome press coverage of the tameshigiri competition showcasing Mugai-ryu Iaido’s “Nuki-soku-zan,” the junior/youth kata demonstrations, and the martial arts culture passed down in the majestic setting of Kencho-ji Temple.

For coverage and photography requests, please contact the press inquiry office below.