Recently, my son and I attended the United States Martial Arts Festival 2011. The event was hosted by the United States Martial Arts Committee and The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, and The Shin Koyamada Foundation. The theme of the event was BUDO, Why Martial Art is Needed Today. This discussion empowers youth in achieving goals, integrity, and respectful lifestyles. The festival had different countries perform the many styles of martial Arts. The performances were interesting, the information was important to hear, and the many cultural arts were brilliant. We enjoyed the event even though it was during the same times as many other martial art events and tournaments throughout Southern California. I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to "fight" to get aroung the festival. I was happy to have my son meet many influencial people in this industry and have a chance to talk with Actors and Producers Shin Koyamada and Brian Tee.
This festival was fun to attend and I was glad to see the various styles available for children today. The many art forms came from Brazil, China, Africa, Korea, Hawaii, Thailand, and Japan. Each of these art forms are available in different dojos throughout the United States. There was a demonstration from Tapout and it was impressive as well as the other local groups like the LA Guardian Angels, The International Martial Arts and Boxing Academy and the United States Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
After the first intermission we enjoyed a Taiko Performance: Makoto Taiko. These Japanese drums sound amazing and what intense effort it takes to make a 10 minute piece. The performance was one of the highlights for the festival that I will not forget.
Some of the many displays to see were full sets of Samurai armor, wooden carvings, photography, kimonos, and the art forms of sogetsu (floral), calligraphy (brush writing). There were demonstrations on writing styles and the Japanese Tea Ceremony called Omotesenke.
The Shin Koyamada Foundation offers scholarships that foster the importance of respect, honor, courtesy, value, and manners through martial arts and active participation in global environmental issues. The Foundation also donates and offers educational needs to individuals and families. This assistance includes International cultural exchange projects. The hosting of this martial arts festival promotes the preservation of martial art styles and traditions that are important to domestic and international youths from all around the globe.
Patrick Tremblay
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