sword and brush
Explore Japanese Arts and Culture in Mid-Michigan
MARTIAL ARTS
Explore Tea Ceremony, the ritualized drinking of tea called chado, or the way of tea, is a uniquely Japanese art form that has thrived for 500 years. Samurai were often well educated and cultured, dedicated not only to the martial arts but also to the ways of creating an atmosphere conductive to the soul. This consisted of ‘kado’ the way of flowers, ‘shodo’ the way of calligraphy and ‘chado’ the way of tea.
The children of wealthy samurai families were introduced to these cutural arts at a young age. While the heart of the ceremony involves brewing, serving, and drinking tea, it also comprises elements of architecture, landscape gardening, ceramics, painting, calligraphy, flower arranging, and cooking .
TOHO DOJO of Flint, Michigan and YUSHIKAN DOJO of Grand Rapids are dedicated to the study of the martial arts of feudal Japan under as taught to us by Mr. Toshishiro Obata. We offer a comprehensive study of martial techniques utilized by the samurai. Traditional methods and realistic techniques are framed by the cultural and historical context in which they existed. As swordsmanship was a principal concern of the samurai warrior, our fundamental martial art is Shinkendo swordsmanship: Shinkendo has a number of meanings depending on the calligraphy, or kanji, used to depict the various characters. Shinken is what a real Japanese sword is called; however, shin can also mean 'true' or 'serious', as in your pursuit of life and training (therefore, the term Shinkendo can also be interpreted as 'the way of living your life seriously and fully.); shin can also mean "mind and spirit", as the art affords you a way to forge both. Shin can mean god, in that we should respect our world and nature, and espouse world peace. Shinkendo does not have to stop at the door of the dojo but can be thought of as a path to follow, and a strategy of mind to apply in your life and its day to day activities. That is how this art came about. I created the International Shinkendo Federation to promote those ideals because the truth begets the truth. ----------Toshishiro Obata, founder of Shinkendo
The kimono is a simple garment with a long history. Its use as a normal form of dress for men and women in Japan dates back hundreds of years. Kimono - Meaning 'the thing worn', is a term first adopted in the mid-19th century. Today, it is an enduring symbol of traditional Japanese culture and beauty.
Have you ever wanted to wear a kimono? Explore an interest in the garments and textiles of Japan and discover basic techniques for wearing Japanese clothing!