Embassy of Japan in South Africa
在南アフリカ共和国日本国大使館
在南アフリカ共和国日本国大使館
2009 Martial Arts Demonstration Day
The Embassy of Japan hosted a Martial Arts Demonstration Day on Saturday, 14 March 2009 in order to promote a deeper understanding of Japanese martial arts amongst South Africans.
Approximately 160 people attended this event, which included official members from South African government departments, Diplomatic Corps, Press (TV and Newspapers) and South African students.
At the event there were demonstrations from five of the martial arts groups in South Africa namely RyuKyu Kobujutsu (Okinawan Karate), Kendo, Iaido, Aikido and Judo. These demonstrations were done by South African masters and players.
Below you will find a short explanation of the martial arts that was demonstrated at this event for a clearer understanding.
RyuKyu Kobujutsu (Okinawan Karate)
Ryūkyū Kobujutsu is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa". It generally refers to the classical weapon traditions of Okinawan martial arts.
Okinawa Prefecture is one of Japan's southern prefectures, and consists of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain over 1,000 km long, which extends southwest from Kyūshū (the southwesternmost of Japan's main four islands) to Taiwan.
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| RyuKyu Kobujutsu (Okinawan Karate) | ||
Kendo
Kendo is the modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or Kenjutsu. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.
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| Kendo | ||
Iaidō
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| Iaidō | |
Iaidō is a Japanese martial art associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. Because iaidō teaches the use of actual metal weaponry, Iaidō does not include direct competition or sparring of any kind. Because of this non-competitive aspect, and iaidō's emphasis on precise, controlled, fluid motion, it is sometimes referred to as "moving Zen."
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| Iaidō | |
Aikido
Aikido, is a Japanese martial art which is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical energy, as the aikidōka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.
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| Aikido | ||
Judo
Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and combat sport that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling manoeuvre, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by executing a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet) — as well as weapons defences — are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice.
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| Judo | ||
For further information or contact details for the Martial Arts Groups, kindly contact the Information and Cultural Section of the Embassy of Japan.
Tel: 012 452 1500
Fax: 012 452 6880
Email: info@embjapan.org.za