He learned swordplay in Tennenrishin-ryu school at Kondo Dojo training hall, and he wanted to join Mibu-Roshigumi (Mibu masterless warriors group) which was established in January 1863, but he gave up because of his family's objection.
近藤道場で天然理心流を学び、1863年1月に結成された浪士組にも参加を望むが、家族の反対があり、断念。