Traditional Japanese Sword Training for Adults
Discover traditional Japanese Battōdō in Bicester and Deddington. Structured, progressive training for adults of all experience levels, with individual coaching in a welcoming dojo. New beginners welcome throughout the year – no previous experience required.
Start Learning Japanese Swordsmanship
New adult beginners welcome – flexible starting dates
You don't need any previous martial arts experience or specialist equipment to begin.
Our four-session introductory programme costs £60 and takes place alongside our regular classes, with individual instruction to help you develop the fundamentals.
Bicester: Monday evenings, 7–9pm
Deddington: Wednesday evenings, 7–9pm
Your four sessions don't need to be on consecutive weeks, making it easier to fit training around other commitments.
Find out more and arrange your first session.
More Than Learning the Sword
Nintai Kai is an adult-only dojo teaching traditional Japanese Battōdō through structured, progressive training.
Our approach combines authentic Japanese swordsmanship with patient coaching, helping students develop technical skill, focus and confidence in a welcoming environment.
We believe disciplined practice should support everyday life. Through purposeful training, students build resilience, self-control and lasting personal growth—both inside and beyond the dojo.
Why train with Nintai Kai?
BEGINNERS WELCOME
No experience necessary. We'll guide you through every step of the way.
TRADITION AND PROGRESSION
Learn through a clear pathway of kata, paired practice and supervised tameshigiri.
SMALL CLASSES
Benefit from individual attention, regular feedback and coaching that helps you progress with confidence.
Authentic Japanese Battōdō
Training at Nintai Kai combines traditional Japanese swordsmanship with structured, progressive coaching. Students develop skill through solo kata, paired practice, supervised tameshigiri and traditional conditioning, building confidence, precision and control every step of the way.
✓ Kata (solo forms)
✓ Kumitachi (paired practice)
✓ Tameshigiri (test cutting)
✓ Tanren (traditional conditioning)
✓ Individual coaching
“I started later in life after years of interest in Japanese swords. Two years in, I’ve gained far more than technical skill - body conditioning, mental focus, and a real appreciation for the tradition.”
- David H.
“As a woman I was nervous about starting, but everyone has been welcoming and supportive. Training has brought far more to our lives than I expected.”
- Joanne W.
Meet Your Instructor
Training at Nintai Kai is led by Steve Castle-Mackie, an experienced practitioner and instructor of Japanese swordsmanship (Battōdō).
With decades of martial arts experience, Steve combines traditional Japanese sword training with a structured, progressive approach to adult learning. His teaching draws on continued study through seminars, international competition and training in Japan, while remaining firmly focused on helping students develop strong fundamentals and lasting skills.
Every class places an emphasis on safety, technical precision and steady progression, creating an environment where complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike can develop confidence, physical capability and effective swordsmanship over time.
