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Good Guy/Bad Guy Self-Defense Workshop Tuesday August 10th, 7:30 - 10:00pm $50.00
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| Shinto Shrine Bows to Tradition and Friendship |
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 From early in the morning to late at night, Amaterasu oversees every punch, strike and kick, the revered Japanese sun goddess (representing movement arts) lives in the middle door of our new Shinto shrine. A gift from student Ryoko Sugimoto, the little house honors Shinto, Japan's ancient native religion. Karate dojos across the country own similar shrines, which represent the spiritual and physical practice of karate. "We acknowledge the spiritual aspect of martial arts and encourage people to reflect on that," said Sensei Michelle Gay. Amaterasu, whose name means shining heaven is known for her warmth and compassion. One legend suggests that her brother, the storm god ravaged the earth forcing her to hide in a cave. The other gods tricked her by hanging a mirror in a tree. Transfixed by her own bright reflection, Amaterasu did not notice the other gods surrounding her. When they pulled her from the cave, daylight returned to Japan. Our Shinto shrine includes Amaterasu's mirror as well as offerings of rice and sake (Japanese wine). Twice a month, Sensei Michelle changes the offerings. During special occasions, like promotion tests, Sensei lights candles. You may join Sensei in bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once to honor Amaterasu as well as Akagi Jinja, who lives behind the left-hand door. Akagi Jinja is a demi-god representing Ryoko's Tokyo neighborhood. |
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Batto Do
loosely translated, means the way of drawing and cutting with a sword in a single motion. This is the basic distinction between Batto Do and Kenjutsu, which are fighting techniques used after the sword is drawn. |
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Fight Quest on the Discovery Channel at 10PM Friday, January 11th featuring the Kyokushin Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. Should be interesting and will hopefully help raise awareness for all full contact style karate like World Kanreikai Karate which, is a descendant of Kyokushin and World Oyama Karate). |
