Fuji Film Lifestyle show Kendo Demonstration

Last night was the opening night of the Fuji Film Lifestyle show and the SAKF was invited to do a kendo demonstration for the Japanese Embassy at the VIP event.

During the day the SAKF also had a public demonstration that anyone could see that attended the event, but obviously the main event was later the night for the embassy. We were a very well represented group of almost only dan members, and for once an equal showing of 5 men and 5 women. (I thought that was pretty cool). The SA team made up most of the demonstration team.

At first while we were waiting in the wings to quickly rehearse our performance before the event, the stage coordinator came up to us informing us that we would be doing the whole demonstration with a red stage light shining on us. This seemed weird, and I personally thought, how are we suppose to see on a dark stage with only a red light. This added an element of surprise (for most of us) and excitement to the whole demonstration.

Needless to say, that when we walked up on stage and the right light flooded the room, it felt weird and very exhilarating, putting on men in anticipated silence while the audience observed and starting the whole demo. For the first few seconds I really felt a bit scared fighting full speed and feeling like I couldn't see, but our eyes got used to the low light and a few minutes later it felt completely normal. It was absolute great fun doing the demonstration and watching some of the SA team members fighting on stage.

Afterwards we were allowed to watch the rest of the presentations, one being a lovely lady from the Japanese choir (yes, apparently we have one, and no, I didn't know about it either) that played the traditional string instrument; the Koto as well as a gentleman from the same choir that sung a beautiful Japanese song: Hana wa saku ( which translates to: flowers will bloom) which was used to build public support after the tsunami disaster that stuck japan. The rest of the evening was dedicated to presentations from Fuji film and the Open Window institute.

After the formalities, the kendoka that participated in the demonstration were invited to the after "party". There was traditional Japanese food prepared by Wasabi restaurant as well as traditional Japanese sake (my favorite part of the evening). The few bits of food I tasted were divine and it was the first time I had ever tasted plum sake or honshu. This is not your normal sake that you buy at Chinese restaurants, and after asking the main chef where he buys this particular sake he said that there is only one place in South Africa where he gets that evenings particular bottle...and unfortunately I didn't know the place neither can I remember the name now...which is sad. I would have loved to have a bottle and enjoy such a nice sweet taste with good friends and company.

Also while standing around and enjoying the company, we were informed by that our performance with the red light looked really good and that it added another level to the demonstration. Who knows maybe we'll apply the technique for future demonstrations.

Anyway...that was about it. A fun demonstration, good food, wonderful sake and exceptional company. Hope to see more members participating in demonstrations like this in future