The Martial Arts Festival A Video Review

The Martial Arts Festival Video Review by Rick Kirkham

Imagine if you will martial art experts from all over the world converging in one place for an entire weekend. Read on to learn more of this spectacular colorful and all encompassing event ....

The Martial Arts Festival Video Review

Imagine if you will martial art experts from all over the world converging in one place for an entire weekend. Read on to learn more of this spectacular colorful and all encompassing event ....

On November 9th to November 11th 2007 the first ever in Honolulu HI Martial Arts Festival became a part of martial history. There was something for everyone at this great event from combative martial arts such as jiu jitstu to the stylish dress of the Wu Shu practitioners from China

I wanted to film everything with my little digital camera and I want to tell you how excited I was to be there. The Muay Thai instructor said it best when he said it was not only an honor to be there but it was also an honor to be in the presence of such great martial artists.

My good friend Sifu Toshio Ikene commented to me that being able to converse with such great martial artists on a personal level was one of the unique aspects of this festival which made it so exciting. On a personal note I'd like to say having worked out with Toshi he is one of the best and one of the most humble kung-fu instructors I have the pleasure of knowing.

Most of the martial arts festival was MC'd by Teley Brandon whose excitement about the martial arts along with his experience with other events of all types made him the perfect choice. Senior Director of Events Mai Bandonis (seen being eaten by the lions) was there MCing as well dressed in traditional oriental garb, adding even more flavor and beauty to the event

In the background and occasionally Evan Knight in the foreground as well were the two people that put this amazing event together. Along with the volunteers such as Toshi making things run quite smoothly for such a huge event. Ron Kaneshige had the ominous task of running all things one never thinks of in the background allowing for smooth transitions and no gaps between events.

Derrick Fleszar was there demonstrating advanced Taekwondo forms. Having gotten a chance to speak with him I can tell you he's not only a nice guy but a great instructor as well.

Jeff Pelletier From right here on Oahu was at the festival breaking bricks. Jeff is also an action photographer and MaxGXL distributor

Capoeira Hawaii Academy did a beautiful demonstration of this deadly dancing art. My feet wouldn't stop moving as I danced in my chair.

Note from Sensei Kirkham: Although most of these videos looked fine from my computer some of them looked darker on a Vista computer I was using. Sorry if they don't turn out well for you.

As beautiful as the deadly dance of Capoeira was it was matched by the intensity of the Kenpo demonstration . Anyone who doesn't believe women can defend themselves should observe both the Muay Thai and Kenpo styles in action.

Kenpo Single Attack Martial Arts Festival 2007

Kenpo Single Attack 2 Martial Arts Festival 2007

Kenpo Sai The First Martial Arts Festival 2007

Kenpo Knife The First Martial Arts Festival 2007

Kenpo Multiple Attack Martial Arts Festival 2007

Kenpo - Multiple Attack with Grab Martial Arts Festival 2007

The Martial Science of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was demonstrated

Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu also demonstrated the sport of Mixed Martial Arts

The Korean combative art of Hapkido was demonstrated by Jason Rogachesky of Tao International Martial Arts. His easy demeanor while demonstrating his art suggested a true teacher and martial artist.

Wu Shu was demonstrated from practitioners All the way from China and Spain

What Martial Arts Festival would be complete without The Lion Dance?

Conclusion

Even these few videos I took with my digital camera didn't match the colors, entertainment and vast knowledge put together by Ron Kaneshige, Evan Knight and all the volunteers and martial artists from around the world. Visit Ron and Evan's website http://www.themartialartsfestival.com/ often for more announcements of possible upcoming events.

About The Author

J. Richard Kirkham is a dual certified teacher and martial arts instructor. He has expertise in alternative teaching methods and positive reinforcement methodology. He's written several books in the printable electronic format and has made downloadable videos and DVDs. He currently resides in Honolulu with his wife Jan and son Hunter. Feel free to visit Mr. Kirkham's website at http://KirkhamsEbooks.com or you may email him at help@kirkhamsebooks.com . This material is copyrighted but available upon request in its entirety.

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