Lewis Hamilton took a break from the usual race prep ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix to try something different: a samurai sword lesson in Tokyo with Tetsuro Shimaguchi. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Shimaguchi leads the performance group Kengishu Kamui and choreographed the samurai sword scenes in the Kill Bill films, which Hamilton counts among his favorites.

The lesson

Hamilton called the session "incredible" and "one of the coolest experiences" he has had. He said it gave him the chance to wield a sword and learn some of the moves, and that the whole visit connected to his interest in Japanese culture.

What he said

"There are so many elements of the culture in Japan that are important to me," Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. "When I come here, I try to learn more about it, and experience it."

"I love all the 'Kill Bill', so this time, I went and had this experience, which was incredible. It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had, getting to wield a sword and learn some of the moves."

Why a sword?

Hamilton admitted he has a fairly specific souvenir goal. He said one of his dreams is to own a samurai sword from the Kill Bill movies and that he has been trying to find out who makes them. He also praised Japan in general, saying it has a lot to offer.

Back to basics

The lesson also stirred memories of Hamilton's childhood karate classes. In an Instagram post after the session he reflected on what martial arts taught him beyond self-defense.

  • Discipline, respect and humility: Hamilton wrote that his early lessons did more than teach self-defense; they built character.
  • Bowing and tradition: He recalled kneeling and bowing to his sensei each class as a child and repeated the gesture with Tetsuro to begin the Tokyo lesson.
  • New appreciation: He said he did not always understand why bowing was necessary, but now values the tradition.

He closed his Instagram note with thanks to his teacher and to Tokyo for the warm welcome and cultural experience.

Quick facts

  • Lesson teacher: Tetsuro Shimaguchi, head of Kengishu Kamui.
  • Connection to film: Shimaguchi worked on the samurai sword scenes in Kill Bill.
  • Driver: Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
  • Timing: The visit took place ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Short version: Lewis Hamilton went to Tokyo, swung a sword under the guidance of a famed choreographer, got nostalgic about karate lessons, and now wants a Kill Bill sword. Japan seemed pleased.