Concert Fundraiser: Music in the Dojo
Inryoku Volume 4 Issue 11
By Josh Paul Sensei, AOSB Head Instructor
Concert Fundraiser
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Artemis Fund Raiser
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Get Tickets
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Concert Fundraiser 〰️ Artemis Fund Raiser 〰️ Get Tickets 〰️
Day by day, rank by rank, AOSB is recovering from the pandemic.
Looking back, the quarantine itself was not the hardest part or the greatest challenge of the last 2.5 years. In fact, with the quarantine fading in memory, it’s easy to overlook the challenges that ensued after the quarantine ended: months of operating at reduced capacity; no vaccines; widespread vaccines, but exponential surges in infection rates; inconsistent mask and cleaning recommendations; and just a great deal of uncertainty.
But overcoming challenges and obstacles is at the very heart of budo–the martial way. We are very grateful for the dedicated students and families who persevered through that period of uncertainty and risk. Recovery took–and is still taking–a great deal of effort and investment. Although the government has declared the pandemic over, the ambient fear, worry, and anxiety lingers. Moreover, the dojo received no financial aid from the city, state, or federal government. Nevertheless, our operating costs increased, and continue to do so.
In keeping with our spirit of independence and self reliance, we’re planning more aikido workshops, activities, and special events to further strengthen our recovery. Last month we hosted a special workshop on alignment and relaxation in aikido. It included two hours of aikido, as well as a yin yoga practice! Workshops on randori (multiple attackers), weapons, and advanced concepts like reversing techniques are being planned for 2023.
And we’re adding more music! Our next special event is a concert with the world renowned Artemis Guitar Duo. Artemis Guitar Duo combines Latin American rhythmic vibes with Italian lyricism. Classical guitarists Katty Mayorga and Isabella Abbonizio founded the ensemble in 2019. Together, they perform a varied repertoire from the past to the present, with particular attention to new music written by female and emerging composers.
The concert will be held in the dojo. In-person and online tickets are available at the buttons. It’ll be a truly unique and intimate way to experience the music and dojo community.
Josh Sensei circa 2001.
Music and our dojo have an entwined history. I’ve played classical guitar for almost 20 years and played bass for almost as long. My first aikido teacher Joseph Jarman Sensei was a founding member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Many of our current and past members–both adults and kids–are musicians. We’re currently hosting the Brooklyn Guitar Salon open mic, and hope to make live music a regular part of dojo life.