Learn more about 武道 (Japanese martial arts) at our “Explore Budo” event on May 31! Experience live demonstrations of Judo (柔道), Kendo (剣道), Iaido (居合道), Kyudo (弓道), and Karate (空手) by experts, introducing both the techniques and the spirit behind them, and then try it for yourself (so wear something you can move around in)! Free admission!
📆: Sat. May 31 (from 10am, doors open at 9:30am)
📍: Embassy of Japan (255 Sussex Drive)
💴: Free
Explore Budo – Martial Arts Lecture & Demonstration
The Embassy of Japan in Canada will host a cultural event “Explore Budo” on Saturday, May 31, at 10:00 AM (Doors open at 9:30 AM, space may be limited and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis) in the Embassy’s Auditorium, in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to receive lectures and demonstrations on Japanese Martial Arts (Judo, Kendo, Iaido, Kyudo, and Karate) and experience these martial arts firsthand.
The event is being held in collaboration with Takahashi Dojo, and with the cooperation of Tateyama Dojo, Shito-ryu Ottawa, and Ottawa Kyudo Association. On behalf of the organizations that have kindly offered their support, we spoke with Mr. Allyn Takahashi of Takahashi Dojo about the joys of practicing martial arts, the attractiveness of this event and more.
・Please tell us about yourself and Takahashi Dojo.
My name is Takahashi Allyn. I started Judo with my brother and sister in Germany when I was 4 years old. When we came back to Canada in 1964, my father started a Judo club at the Uplands Air Force Base (near the current Ottawa Airport). And then my parents opened Takahashi Dojo in the current building in 1969. Takahashi Dojo is open every day, and we practice Kendo, Iaido, Jodo, Karate, and other sword martial arts as well as dancing and other Japanese cultural activities on a wooden floor, and Judo and Aikido on a tatami floor. Over the years, we have had probably thousands of students, including hundreds of students with black belts. Former PM Pierre Trudeau and Justin Trudeau as well as their families also practiced at our Dojo. It was a memorable experience to perform a Judo demonstration at a Canada Day event in the Confederation Park in 1983 and have the opportunity to do Randori practice with PM Pierre Trudeau.
・Could you tell us about the joys of doing Budo?
What I like about Budo is that you have to concentrate, and everything has to come into deep focus. What is good is you have to clear your mind of your daily activities. So that the only thing that you are thinking about is your immediate practice. So even though time is required every day to do Budo activities, in reality, it makes for more time because you sleep better, your concentration is better, and your mood is better. I think it’s definitely better for your health. If you do some kind of activity, kind of a joke, afterwards, beer tastes better (smile).
・Please tell us about the attractiveness of “Explore Budo” and give a message to the participants.
What is fantastic about this event is that it is held at the Auditorium of the Embassy during Asian Heritage Month to introduce Japanese martial arts to the general public.
Everybody should always try something new. And even if you feel shy, you should try to do something and try some Judo, try some Karate, Iaido, and Kendo. There are, of course, other martial arts. I am a teacher of Judo, but I am also a student of other martial arts, and I continue to challenge myself with something new even now. So please join us at the Embassy for “Explore Judo” and come discover something new together.
