Haru Matsuri 2018
Demonstration Report
copyright © 2018 Douglas Tong, all rights reserved
__________________________________________________
On March 3, 2018, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto held its annual Spring Festival which is called Haru Matsuri.
This year, we once again were granted the honour to be allowed to participate in this much anticipated event.
Due to a special judo competition occurring at the JCCC this time, we were shifted to the Hosaki Room, one of the special workshop rooms.
This year for us was unique again. Since the previous year’s demonstration was such a special event, we decided to try it again. This year, we decided to try to bring together some more koryu groups from around the GTA (the Greater Toronto Area).
Unfortunately, some of our groups from last year had to cancel due to other obligations. But that gave the chance for other groups to join in. This year, we had four groups participating: Yagyu Shingan Ryu Taijutsu, Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu, Ono-ha Itto Ryu, and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heiho. Once again, they were being treated to a veritable showcase of some of the most famous koryu styles from the history of kenjutsu in Japan.
Below is a great shot of the various koryu groups demonstrating during Haru Matsuri 2018, the second Koryu Friendship Demo in Toronto! 😉
Right: Yagyū Shinkage-ryū (Ohtsubo Branch) (Tokumeikan)
Left: Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryū (Toronto Niten Kai Kenjutsu Dojo)
Not on the floor at that time: Ono-ha Itto Ryu (Headwaters Kenjutsu Dojo)
Not on the floor at that time: Yagyu Shingan-ryu Taijutsu (Tokumeikan)
Haru Matsuri 2018 was another memorable experience. We look forward to more collective endeavours between our various groups. Many thanks to everyone involved!
And a big thank you to the folks at the JCCC for allowing us to share in this great annual celebration of Japanese culture. 🙏
Douglas Tong
Tokumeikan
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
__________________________________________________