Sunday, February 19, 2012

Excerpt



The real secret to becoming an expert in martial arts is realizing that training is a process of self-discovery. Further, it is a means of modifying one's personality to make oneself healthier, more well-balanced, and more efficient. Outside of Japan, this idea has for the most part been lost, and the budo forms are typically taught as nothing more than specialized fighting methods. This approach is wasteful, however, for in the short term there are much more efficient ways to teach fighting than the highly ritualized practice of traditional martial arts. Only when an art is considered as a whole system, including its internal aspects, can all the cultural content be justified. - from BUDO MIND AND BODY, by Nicklaus Suino Sensei (SMAA Judo Division Director).

Thursday, February 16, 2012

SMAA Event

The Japanese Sword: Ancient Tradition, Living Culture, Modern Art

February 20, 2012
San Jose, California, USA


SMAA Senior Advisor Paul Martin, a former staff member of the British Museum, author, and acknowledged authority, will present a lecture on the history and construction of the classic Japanese sword. Prized as much for its artistic beauty as for its amazing cutting ability, the Japanese sword is one of the most recognized symbols of Japan and its warrior class, the samurai. The creation of these true works of art has continued to the present through the efforts of a new generation of artisans, many of whom Mr. Martin interviewed and filmed for his documentary Art of the Japanese Sword.

For additional information contact: SMAA Senior Advisor Nyle Monday (408) 808-2041 or Silke Higgins (408) 808-2118

Monday
February 20, 2012
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Room 225/229

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 150 E. San Fernando Street San Jose, CA 95112 USA