Lords of the Samurai @ Asian Art Museum

[thatguy]

Just got this in the mail:

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Way of the Sword

Hailing from samurai sword techniques, iaido (ee-ay-doe) is a martial art from battle and warfare, preserved for 450 years. The iaidoka (practitioner) wields a sword not to control the opponent, but himself. His mind is peaceful, harmonious, and active, ready to react. We are honored to present a very special rare appearance by Esaka Sensei, one of Japan's finest, esteemed iaidoka. Holding many prestigious posts, including instructor for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan’s Self Defense Forces, and Iaido Renmei Defense Academy, Esaka Sensei teaches iaido throughout Japan, North America, and Europe.

Observe students and him demonstrate riveting techniques of iaido. Get in on a movement workshop and cool down with a docent conversation, create an artwork inspired by tsuba (a sword’s hand guard), catch a screening of Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman, stroll the galleries, savor a sake flight from the cash bar, enjoy music spun by DJ Tau, and much more.

Of course, you can also view LORDS OF THE SAMURAI, the special exhibition of gorgeous artworks that reveals a softer, unknown side to these legendary warriors.

This presentation is co-sponsored with Nishi Kaigan Iaido Dojo

Schedule

5 - 9
DJ Tau

Zatoichi (The Blind Swordsman)
View Kitano Takeshi's whimsical version of the story of the blind swordsman uses rhythm to great effect.

Cash Bars, featuring Lords of the Samurai sake flight
Before samurai set off for battle, three successive cups of sake were toasted for a successful expedition. This special sake flight references the intriguing history of the samurai.



Art Activity - Create Your Own Tsuba
The tsuba is usually a round or occasionally squarish guard at the end of the sword handle. It helps control the sword and protects the hand.

5:30, 6, & 6:30
Drop-in movement workshop
Join members from Nishi Kaigan Iaido Dojo to get a feel for drawing a sword. The workshops are drop-in, first-come-first-served. Each session is 30 minutes.

6:30, 8:30
Docent Conversations: Lords of the Samurai

7 - 7:30
Iaido demonstration with Esaka Sensei

8
Docent Conversation: Art of War in Asia

8 - 8:30
Iaido demonstration with Esaka Sensei

Iaido Lecture-Demonstration by Master Swordsman Seigen Esaka, Hanshi 10th Dan
Saturday, August 29 & Sunday, August 30, 2:00 pm
FREE with general admission!

Esaka SenseiIaido (ee-eye-doe) proved its martial values in a time of constant battle and warfare, and was passed on from teacher to student over 450 years. It originated in the katana (long sword) techniques of the samurai of Japan, which were codified beginning around 1390. When country unified after a long period of civil conflict, edicts were issued to transform the samurai from warriors to refined individuals, able to serve in the government. Skills included martial arts, reading, writing, administration, and finer arts, like calligraphy and painting. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (1546-1621) is considered the legendary founder of iaido for not only codifying a system of batto jutsu (sword-drawing techniques), but also for promulgating the idea that practicing sword forms with meditative intent could make one a better person, and thereby benefit society.

The museum is honored to present a rare appearance of Seigen Esaka, Hanshi 10th Dan, one of Japan’s finest sword practicioners. Esaka Sensei is an official representative of the All Japan Iaido Federation (Zen Nihon Iaido Renmei – ZNIR), a direct student of both the 20th Soke, Kono Minoru Hyakuren and the 21st Soke, Fukui Torao. An instructor for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan's Self Defense Forces, and Iaido Renmei Defense Academy, Esaka Sensei holds a 10th dan in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido and regularly instructs iaido practioners of all levels in Japan, North America, and Europe.

Co-sponsored with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. This presentation is co-sponsored with Nishi Kaigan Iaido Dojo.