Iaikai

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Events

2009 Events

White Plains Sakura Matsuri

On May 3, 2009, we took part in the White Plains Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival). I'll be honest - the weather was awful - cold and rainy, but the performers and audience alike braved the elements and we all managed to have a good time. Events included food, music, dancing and martial arts demonstrations. The photos are by me (Deborah), Mariano Garcia and Oana Garcia.

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Brave performers - Members of Ichifujikai

Peter Boylan Teaches a Jodo Seminar at Iaikai

On December 12, 2009, Peter Boylan gave a seminar in Shinto Muso Ryu jodo. This was the first opportunity many of the students had to practice jodo with a qualified instructor. We practiced the kihon and first three kata of the Kendo Federation Seitei jodo set (drawn from the first set of Shinto Muso Ryu). Peter was a very patient and persistent teacher, and everyone learned a lot.

We also had a chance to enjoy some of the pan-Asian cuisine of Queens: Tibetan - Japanese one night, Southeast Asian the next. On Sunday morning, we visited the Arts of the Samurai exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum. The exhibit was truly spectacular; every piece was of historical and cultural importance.

We had a wonderful time with Peter, and look forward to his next visit.

Photos: Top - Peter (right) supervising kata by Luis(l.) and Mariano. Bottom - Peter observes practice by Julius (l.) and Luis.

2010 Events

Aaron Banks’ Martial Arts Hall of Fame Dinner

In January, I attended the Martial Arts Hall of Fame Annual Dinner sponsored by Aaron Banks at madison Square Garden. Mariano Garcia and I attended at the invitation of Cleophas Jacobs, a Hall of Fame honoree. Mariano and I performed a brief demonstration and I was presented with a plaque honoring me as 2010 Female Iaido Master of the Year. It was a great honor, and it was also fun to perform before a distinguished group of other martial artists. Slideshow below.

In June, Iaikai Dojo members came together to practice cutting techniques with a “Tameshigiri Barbecue.” We had a two-hour practice followed by a barbecue party. Summer is going fast (and considering what the weather has been like, none too soon) but we are hoping to do it again before the fall. Check out the slideshow below.

Also in June, we took part in the SACRA! Showcase performance sponsored by Dance Project Sequence, the “landlord” for our Monday night practice space, the ArtsCure Center. We shared the bill with classical and modern dancers and singers. It was a new experience for some Iaikai members, but I was right at home, having “grown up” in the theatre. The photos by Antonio M. Rosario.

In July, I taught a workshop for the Bethlehem Karate Academy in Bethlehem, PA with the help of Mariano and other Iaikai members. We had a great time and hope to be making a return visit soon.