Estuary puts the ‘art’ into martial arts

Rie Shibaski will teach Shūji calligraphy classes to celebrate the exhibition’s arrival. The Spirit of Budō will see 17 crates of traditional Japanese headgear, armour and weaponry arrive at Estuary Arts Centre.

A Japanese martial arts exhibition will have its only North Island show at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa from April 12 to May 5.

The exhibition, called The Spirit of Budō, explores the history of Japan’s martial arts through traditional armour, headgear and swords. A total of 105 pieces will be on display.

The Spirit of Budō has been touring internationally since 2008. It was brought to New Zealand by the Japan Foundation and the Consulate-General of Japan, who chose Estuary Arts Centre for the exhibition’s debut.

“It is so exciting for this to be coming to Ōrewa” centre manager Kim Boyd says.

“Everything the Japanese do is a precise form of art, from working on their garden to making tea, so the pieces will be amazing.”

Following the exhibition’s time on the Coast, The Spirit of Būdo will make its only other New Zealand stop, in Ashburton.

The exhibition will officially open on Saturday, April 13, when there will be martial arts demonstrations and taiko drum performances.

Estuary Arts Centre will also hold Japanese themed workshops throughout April, including a traditional tea ceremony and floral arranging.

Throughout the school holidays, there will be Japanese arts and crafts classes, including origami, kite making (koinobori) and mask making.

Info: estuaryarts.org