LIOMUGAI

Way of Sword and Zen of Training

MUGAI-RYU (無外流)

Mugai-ryu is a traditional school of swordsmanship (Koryu) whose reputation is built on formidable efficiency combined with profound spiritual asceticism. Mugai-ryu prioritizes economy of motion and the power of the mind.

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BATTODO (抜刀道)

While Iaido focuses on the perfection of form and the spiritual draw,
Battodo is the practical application of the Japanese sword. It is the study of how a blade actually behaves when it meets a target

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LIOMUGAI (莉雄無外)

Enthusiastic practitioner of Mugai-ryu Iaido & Battodo; I sahre my life between Europe and Japan where I teach as well Okinawan Karate. Liomugai.com has been created to share my training path and populate the Way of Sword.

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About Me

INSIGHTS

Shu Ha Ri Concept

by Liomugai | May 28, 2026 | Philosophy, Training | 0 Comments

In the world of Japanese martial arts—and particularly within the discipline of Iaidō—mastery is not a destination to be reached, but a lifelong process of refinement. It is an ongoing evolution of body, mind, and spirit. This journey is elegantly expressed through...

Fujinomiya : Praying for Mount Fuji

by Liomugai | May 10, 2026 | History, Japan, Philosophy | 0 Comments

Living in the Shadow of Fuji: A Personal Reflection on Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha There’s something quietly profound about living near a place that has been sacred for over a thousand years. For my Japanese family, home is not just defined by streets and houses—it is...

Embracing Muga : The Zen heart of Mugai-ryū

by Liomugai | April 24, 2026 | Katana, Philosophy | 2 Comments

In the practice of Iaido (居合道), Battodo (抜刀道), and Kenjutsu (剣術), we often focus on the physical alignment of the blade or the precision of a cut. But for the practitioner of Mugai-ryū (無外流), the ultimate challenge lies within...

One day in Hiroshima

by Liomugai | April 23, 2026 | History, Japan | 0 Comments

Most travelers visit Hiroshima to witness the scars of history—an essential pilgrimage for anyone visiting Japan. Walking through the city is an experience beyond "emotional"; it is difficult to pin down a single feeling when the mood shifts like a tide. Yet, as a...

The Invisible Rhythm of the Blade and the Soul

by Liomugai | April 11, 2026 | Japan, Philosophy | 0 Comments

If you have ever watched a Mugai-ryū master perform a kata, or if you have attended a tea ceremony (Chanoyu), you have likely sensed an invisible progression. It isn’t a constant speed, but rather a wave that builds, breaks, and stops dead. This ternary...

Shiraito Falls, a Masterpiece of “White Threads”

by Liomugai | March 28, 2026 | Japan | 0 Comments

Whenever I visit my Japanese family’s hometown near Mount Fuji, there’s one place I always try to go back to. It’s not a big city, not a famous temple, and not one of the crowded viewpoints of Fuji. It’s a quiet waterfall hidden in the forest called Shiraito Falls....

Reigyo and Ego

by Liomugai | March 27, 2026 | Training | 0 Comments

In the modern world, the act of bowing to a weapon can appear—at least to the uninitiated—as a curious form of reverence, even idolatry. Yet for a practitioner of Mugai-ryū or Battōdō, the ritual of Reigyō (礼行, etiquette in action) is not symbolic theater. It is one...

Finding Peace at the Foot of Fuji

by Liomugai | March 11, 2026 | Japan | 0 Comments

A Walk Through Arigatayama, the Mountain of Gratitude Recently, I was in Gotemba in Shizuoka.Most travelers passing there have one of two goals in mind.Some come to shop at the vast Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet complexes in Japan, while others...

LioMugai is now available on YouTube

by Liomugai | March 5, 2026 | Training | 0 Comments

12,000 Views: Sharing the Path of Mugai-ryu Iaihyodo Since returning from Japan, I’ve been overwhelmed by the curiosity and support from the community on Instagram. To better document and share my journey in Mugai-ryu Iaihyodo, I decided to launch my YouTube...

Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi: From Swordsman to Zen Monk

by Liomugai | March 4, 2026 | History, Training | 0 Comments

In the history of Japanese martial traditions (budō, 武道), few figures embody the union of swordsmanship and Zen Buddhism as completely as Tsuji Gettan Sukemochi (辻月丹資茂, 1648–1728), founder of Mugai-ryū (無外流). Gettan’s life traces a rare and profound arc: from samurai...

The Spirit of Liomugai

After two decades coaching competitive sports and ten years immersed in Okinawan and Chinese martial arts, discovering Japanese swordsmanship felt like entering an entirely new world. This is the world I invite you to explore with me here.

Liomugai—derived from my name, Lionel, and the concept of ‘without borders’—represents my lifelong curiosity for Budo and a life lived across France, the UK, the USA, Spain, and Japan.

The Essence of Liomugai

The primary goal of this website is to help others discover the beauty of Japanese sword arts and the profound philosophy that accompanies them. It is an invitation to explore the “Way of the Sword” through the eyes of a student (and no more).
The content shared here is for informational and entertainment purposes only.It is not intended to replace formal instruction under a qualified teacher in a recognized Dojo.Never attempt to replicate techniques shown here without professional supervision.
Proper safety protocols and etiquette (Reigi) are vital to preventing serious injury.
LioMugai shall not be held responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided on this site.

Liomugai's training sword with its specific tsuba

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