Martial Arts Performers
Arizona Aikido
Demonstrating Aikido, Japanese 'Gentle Way' Grappling
Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who trained under many classical teachers, aikidō is unusual as a Martial Art where both the well being of the initiator and the responder are of equal importance to the technique. Established in the early 70s by Jon Mamoru Takagi, a student of Yukiso Yamamoto-sensei, Arizona Aikidō continues Takagi-sensei's legacy of teaching with classes and seminars here in the Valley but other Arizona cities as well. The dojo was started in 1968 by Takagi Sensei.
Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo Kai
Demonstrating Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Using the training methods of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the Arizona Bujinkan Ninpō & Budō Kai has been training and teaching in Tempe, Arizona for over twenty years. Beginning classes emphasize taijutsu or unarmed fighting. Advanced classes may be offered in traditional Japanese battle field weapons as a student progresses.
Arizona JKA, Shotokan Karate-Do
Educational Karate-Do: Karate-do is physical, mental, and spiritual. In addition to practicing kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), we learn about the philosophy and Japanese culture. Arizona JKA has instructors with decades of experience teaching children and youth.
Lifetime Exercise: We train in karate as lifetime exercise. We have members as young as 5 and as old as 80. Martial Arts training helps in all aspects of life, increasing overall health and well-being, stress reduction, and increased focus. Shotokan Karate-do also provides its practitioners with self
defense skills.
Arizona Kyudo Kai Demonstrating Kyudo, Japanese Archery
Japanese archery differs from Western forms in that the bow (yumi) is over two meters tall, the upper arm is much longer than the lower arm, and the arrow (ya) is drawn back behind the ear with the thumb, and on the side of the bow away from the archer. Space and safety concerns limit this demonstration to short range makiwara shooting at a target a bow's length from the archer. Founded in 1992, the Arizona Kyudō Kai offers classes in Tucson, Arizona.
Kenshin Dojo
Demonstrating laido, Sword Drawing/Sword Dancing
Training in iaidō, or Sword Drawing, involves drawing the sword from the saya or Japanese scabbard; a waza or specific sequence of cuts; the chiburi, a figurative or ceremonial cleaning the blade; then finally, returning the sword to the scabbard. Ken-bu, or Sword-Dance, uses the sword during the story telling of a song, or poem. Many of these songs or poems describe specific battles or specific samurai. The Kenshin Dōjō was established in 1985 and is located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hoten Ryu Enten Dojo
Rare martial artform Hoten Ryu. With less than 15 total practitioners worldwide, Hoten Ryu Enten Dojo of Tempe, Arizona is the only one outside Japan practicing this artform.
Ryan Wells
Meifu Shinkage Ryu Arizona Keikokai
Martial art of Meifu Shinkage Ryu demonstration. Video includes an exclusive interview with the headmaster of the art in Japan that he did specifically for the AZ Matsuri. Ryan Wells, of Tempe, Arizona leads one of only four Meifu Shinkage Ryu groups in the United States.
Ryan Wells
https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaMeifuShinkageRyu
Nansei Dojo
Arizona's Nansei Dojo has been in Arizona as early as 1993 and is a licensed branch of the International Shinkendo Federation (国際真剣道連盟 Kokusai Shinkendō Renmei). The dojo is currently led by Jared Lizano-sensei. Shinkendo teaches the authentic way of samurai swordsmanship; the meaning of the name Shinkendo can be interpreted as the "way of the real sword".
