Private Lessons for Visitors
Private Lesson
Direct instruction from Head Instructor Shota Sugawara.
A one-of-a-kind training session tailored to your goals.
Instructor: Shota Sugawara (Head Instructor / Aikido 4th Dan)
All private lessons are personally taught by Head Instructor Shota Sugawara. He focuses intensely on individual challenges that cannot be addressed in group training.
- 15+ years of teaching experience (teaching consistently since founding the dojo in 2010)
- Extensive experience teaching in English (students from the US, Europe, Australia, Asia, and more)
- Logical teaching style from an IT industry background (explains the reasoning behind each technique)
- All levels welcome: beginners to dan holders (curriculum designed from scratch based on your goals and level)
“Every person has different challenges. That’s exactly why private lessons allow me to focus thoroughly on the areas that group training can’t reach.” — Shota Sugawara
Private Lesson Track Record
15+ Years
Teaching experience since the dojo’s founding
30+ Countries
Travelers from over 30 countries have participated
English Available
Extensive English teaching experience
Fully 1-on-1
Direct one-on-one instruction from the head instructor
Recommended For
🎯 Those with clear goals
Whether it’s learning self-defense, preparing for a grading examination, or maintaining your health – if you have a specific purpose, private lessons let you focus on your individual needs that group training cannot address.
🌏 Travelers wanting an authentic martial arts experience
For visitors from abroad exploring Tokyo or Kamakura. We provide thorough instruction in English. We can also arrange the purchase of an aikido uniform (dogi) on your behalf if needed. Available for individuals.
⏰ Those who want to learn at their own pace
If you prefer not to train in groups, have an irregular schedule, or are visiting from far away – we flexibly adjust the date, time, and content to suit you.
Lesson Content (Fully Customizable)
Based on a pre-lesson consultation, we design a training plan just for you.
- Etiquette & dojo manners (greetings, sitting in seiza, how to wear the gi – travelers start here)
- Basic ukemi (the foundation of protecting your body – always covered on day one)
- Basic to advanced techniques (level adjusted to your experience and goals)
- Weapons training (bokken/wooden sword, jo/staff, tanto/knife — an authentic experience made possible by our dedicated dojo)
- Self-defense & practical course (focused on techniques for everyday situations)
- Intensive grading preparation course (exam prep with repetitive practice to refine technique)
- Q&A & commemorative photos (photos in your gi are welcome – a great travel memory)
* English instruction available. No Japanese language ability required. We can arrange the purchase of an aikido uniform (dogi) on your behalf if needed (approx. JPY 15,000).
* What to bring: a towel, a drink, and sportswear (T-shirt and pants) for training.
Pricing
| Plan | Details | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Lesson | 2 hours / one-on-one instruction | ¥50,000 |
| Intensive Course | 3 hours x 3 days (9 hours total) | ¥200,000 |
Pricing is flexible depending on group size, content, and special requests. Please feel free to contact us.
What Participants Say
“I was surprised that I could learn aikido in English. The instruction was thorough, and the meaning behind each technique was clearly explained. It was a truly wonderful experience.”
— A traveler visiting from Australia
“I took the intensive course before my grading examination. The instructor thoroughly corrected fine details that are never addressed in group training, and I passed successfully.”
— Regular member, Aikido 2nd kyu (Intensive Grading Prep Course)
Lesson Gallery
Many International Participants
Travelers from over 30 countries including the US, Australia, and Europe have taken our lessons. We have extensive experience teaching in English, and we can also arrange the purchase of a dogi on your behalf if needed (approx. JPY 15,000). More and more visitors are choosing an aikido experience as a highlight of their trip to Japan.
Locations
Tokyo (Shinagawa) — Our own dedicated dojo
10-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Line Nishi-Oi Station
4-25-6 Futaba, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
This is Aikido Mugenjuku’s own dedicated training hall — not a rented gymnasium. Soft mats, bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), and tanto (knife) are all on-site, giving you a fully authentic Japanese dojo experience.
Kamakura
Within walking distance from JR Kamakura Station
Experience aikido in this historic ancient capital.
What Our Students Say
Voices from current students about Sensei and the dojo atmosphere.
I have so much respect for Sensei and everyone here — they are all wonderful people. If I keep practicing aikido, I feel like I could become a better person.
Sensei always gives positive feedback, so even when I cannot do something well, I never feel discouraged. The atmosphere of the class and seminars is always great.
Sensei is funny. The YouTube videos and other follow-up resources are well-prepared, making it easy to keep going.
Rather than focusing on what I cannot do, the instructors point out what I did well and what I have improved. That builds my confidence — just coming to the dojo is enjoyable.
The atmosphere of the dojo and Sensei is wonderful. Tea time after practice is one of my favorite parts.
He loves Sensei and looks forward to coming to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from first-time visitors.
Q. Do I need martial arts or aikido experience?
Q. Do I need to bring weapons (bokken, jo, tanto)?
Q. Do I need a dogi (aikido uniform)? Are rentals available?
Q. Can I take private lessons even if I train in another style (e.g. Aikikai)?
Q. How often should I take lessons to make real progress?
Q. Can I cancel or reschedule?
Q. Can children take private lessons?
Q. Do you offer lessons on weekends?
Get in Touch
Have questions about what type of lesson suits you best, or want to check available dates?
Feel free to reach out – we’d love to hear from you!
* Private lessons are available on weekdays only. Weekends are reserved for our regular group classes.