One of the highlights of our training trips to Japan is the ability to attend the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai Taikai, the Japanese Classical Fighting Arts Association Demonstration (a rather free translation). The demonstration allows different schools to demonstarte. Kobudo is typically considered to be arts developed before the Meiji Restoration of 1868. That said, many of the arts here were founded before 1600.
On our way to the venue, we passed the Tayasu Mon (Tayasu Gate), one of the remaining portions of Edo Castle (now the Imperial Residence). Originally built in 1607, the gate that we see today was built in 1636.
Viewing this even now gives me some idea what it would have taken in some of the actual historically recorded attacks on castles.
The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai takes place in the Budokan, a building built specifically for martial arts demonstrations.
This year's participants:
Kyudo, or archery:
Iaijutsu. I believe this is Kanshin ryu. (For clarity, not my school.)
I was quite fascinated by their bows that they used. They are quite different than the Native American ones I am used to seeing. Do you know what wood they use for their construction?
ReplyDeleteI was interested in the archery as well. Not only the bows, but the style is so different that what I learned. Fascinating.
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