|
|
|
|
|
 |
Always
fascinating are the exhibitions of kendo, or
the "way of the sword." This discipline was developed
by the Samuri of old as a way to keep in form and
to achieve total mastery in the art of swordsmanship.
Today's
kenshi (one who practices kendo), wear full
body armor (budogu) and fight with a split bamboo
sword called a shinai. Kendo is not a method
of winning real sword fights, but rather a path to
self enlightenment.
|
There
is also a sporting side to the art, with tournaments
attracting many fans, especially in Japan. The word
dojo literally means "the place to learn
the way," and there are 14 kendo dojo in Southern
California, representing some 475 kenshi. The
Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF)
is the largest kendo federation in the United States
and its members helped make the 2000 Kendo Tournament
a real success.
|
 |
 |
Pictured
at left is a practitioner of naginata. This
discipline teaches the art of fighting using a traditional
pole arm (called the naginata), that has a long curved
blade on one end. Today's practitioners of the art
use naginata made from wood and split bamboo. Full
body armor is worn during competitions.
Naginata
is very graceful and powerful, with the weapon being
an extension of the wielder and employed in wide sweeping
motions. There are three naginata dojo in the Los
Angeles area.
|
|
|
All
members of the community become involved, from the
oldest to the youngest. Elders pass along their wisdom
and experience to the young, who seek to preserve
and sustain the old ways, and keep them as a living,
growing tradition.
|
|
In
this photo, Cindy Kiyoko Iwami (deemed Miss
Tomodachi and shown at left), and Nisei Week
Princess, Michelle Yoshiko Moy, pose with
the Beauty Queens of the future.
|
|
|
|
What
makes the Nisei Week celebrations so special is that
it is a genuine expression of the people's pride and
self reliance. Nisei Week presents to the world the
best of what Japanese Americans have to offer in the
way of their rich cultural heritage.
|
|
|
This
site is owned & operated by The Black Moon ©
Copyright.
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
