Butoku Sai in Kyoto

We are at the Kyoto Budo Center – and the Butokuden training hall of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. It is the 50th Japan Butoku Sai and 4th World Butoku Sai International. What this all means is its a meeting of traditional budo arts from karate and aikido to iaido and kenjutsu… and many more. Countries beside Japan are the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Nepal and on.

The historic Butokuden, martial arts hall was built in Kyoto near Heian Shrine to carry out the legacy of ancient traditions which was started in eighth century capital of Kyoto. It had remained emblematically the powerful symbol of esteemed honor and highest integrity where the prominent Japanese martial practitioners aspired to be recognized by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai. The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai was originally established in 1895 Kyoto Japan under the authority of the Japanese Government and the endorsement of His Royal Highness, Meiji Emperor to solidify, promote, and standardize martial disciplines and systems throughout Japan. It aimed for the preservation of traditional Budo and the nobility associated with Samurai culture. It was the first official and premier martial arts institution sanctioned by the government of Japan. The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai subsequently became the center for the proud heritage and elitism of Japanese Budo. It stressed the martial virtues of Samurai warrior and incomparable historical excellence in martial disciplines.

After this 3-day event it is the start of the Kendo Taikai which lasts 5 days, so for martial arts community it is a great time to be in this historic city, Kyoto. Unfortunately in these troubled economic times it is hard for foreigners to visit, mainly due to the poor exchange rate and the high cost of staying in Japan. Japan has done really well in coping with one its worst disasters in history and the country really feels optimistic and of course we all love the great hospitality they show to foreigners. This year for Empty MInd Films, Japan will be our main focus and we hope to bring you some great documentaries of Japanese budo.

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Sunday, April 29th, 2012. RSS 2.0 feed.