Exploring Bushido – Tradition and Practice

Exploring Bushido: Tradition and Practice

YCAPS Experience: 65th Tokyo Kendo Festival w/ Isak Nordenberg

YCAPS’s Isak Nordenberg will lead a full-day event exploring Bushido, the way of the warrior, through traditional Japanese martial arts demonstrations and discussions. Participants will witness and engage with practitioners of Kendo, Iai, and Jodo, experiencing the philosophy, discipline, and techniques that define Bushido. The event will be held at Tokyo Budokan, a popular venue dedicated to traditional martial arts.

The itinerary for the day is:

• 09:15 - Meet at Ayase station (East Exit)
• 09:30 - Doors open to Tokyo Budokan
• 09:45 - Opening Ceremony
• 09:50 - Kendo Kata Demonstration - A showcase of the basic elements of swordsmanship through a fixed pattern of exercises that each kendo practitioner must learn to advance through the grades.
• 10:15-11:15 - Shiai (Matches) for Participants Under 6th Grade – Observing young practitioners as they compete in Kendo matches.
• 11:15 - Award Ceremony
• 11:25 - Shiai for 7th Grade and Senior Practitioners – Neither win nor lose exhibition matches featuring experienced practitioners.
• 13:55 - Iai (Sword) and Jodo (Cane) Demonstration – A showcase of the refined arts of Iaido (drawing and cutting with a katana) and Jodo (using a staff for defense).
• 14:20-16:30 - Shiai for 8th Grade Practitioners - Advanced Kendo matches demonstrating highest-level skill and strategy from lifelong practicing and respected kendo practitioners.
• 16:35 - Closing Ceremony – Featuring remarks by the Vice President of Tokyo Kendo Federation

Event Guidelines:

• Our group will observe from either the 2nd or 3rd floor for the best view.
• Footwear Policy: Shoes must be placed in a plastic bag provided by the Budokan.
• Lunch: It is recommended to purchase food at Ayase Station before arrival at Tokyo Budokan.

This event goes hand-in-hand with our March 27 Getting To Know Japan Webinar on Bushido by Vice Admiral Fumio Ota which aims to provide a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the philosophy and discipline of Bushido, gaining insights into how these martial traditions continue to shape Japan today. Vice Admiral Fumio Ota will himself be competing in the Shiai for 7th Grade practitioners.

RSVP Required: Please confirm your spot by contacting Isak Nordenberg at isak.nordenberg@ycaps.org space is limited.

Cost: There is no entrance fee to participate in this YCAPS event. However, any food, snacks, drinks that participants wish to eat during the day are at their personal expense. There are vending machines present at the venue and a small shop but participants are advised to buy their own lunches at Ayase station before the group departs for Tokyo Budokan. There will also be time in the day for attendees to go outside to pick up food if they would like.