Aikido of Austin to Sponsor Japanese Cultural Festival

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 31, 2007 -- Aikido of Austin will be sponsoring a free Japanese summer festival and fundraiser on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at their location near Lamar and Koenig beginning at 3:00 pm and running until 6:00 pm. Featuring martial arts, Taiko drummers, Okinawan dance, and Japanese food, the event will raise funds for Aikido of Austin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching aikido.

The event includes a demonstration of aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, known to his students as O Sensei. The demonstration will feature throws, pins, and techniques using weapons as demonstrated by Josef Birdsong Sensei, Godan (5th degree black belt), and by the students who practice at the dojo. Groups who will be demonstrating include other black belt students, teenagers, and children who practice.

Also featured will be a demonstration of Okinawan traditional dance by the Austin branch of Miyagi-Ryu No Sho Kai and an Okinawan drumming demonstration by Okinawa Tomonokai Eisa Taiko drummers. Founded approximately a year and a half ago, Miyagi-Ryu No Sho Kai is headed by Setsuko Kuniyoshi and comprises six students. Kuniyoshi and her students demonstrate traditional Okinawan dance as taught by Grand Master Noho Miyagi, a professor at the University of Arts in Okinawa who has been deemed a National Human Treasure in Japan. Founded in 1991 and headed by President Shigeko Burnie, Okinawa Tomonokai strives to promote goodwill and friendship and to increase the understanding of Okinawan traditional arts. The group performs two types of dance that include a traditional dance and an Eisai drum dance. Their dances have been featured in Chinese New Year celebrations.

A silent auction will run concurrently with the festival. A few of the items up for bidding are free membership in the beginners program with a free gi (training outfit), a Japanese bonsai tree, a Japanese door decoration, a gift basket, and tutoring lessons for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Asahi Imports will be catering the event and will provide Japanese food for purchase.

The event is being sponsored by Aikido of Austin. Founded in 1985 by Birdsong Sensei, Aikido of Austin is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to spreading the philosophy of aikido and teaching aikido technique. The festival will run from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the dojo's location at 5501 North Lamar. Additional directions may be found at http://austinaikido.org. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Location:
Aikido of Austin
5501 North Lamar, Suite C-111
Austin TX 78751

Date and Time:
Saturday, June 9, 2007
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

###