Swordfest 2011, May 14th, Alexandria VA

[Sir James A]

Found this elsewhere and copy/pasted it.

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This is a cross post from Swordforum http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104782&highlight=swordfest+2011 thought maybe some folks might be interested... This is a completely free event, no charge, nothing nada... just come, watch, participate discuss, see whats available. There is room for exhibits and vendors and we usually have a table or two of books and pointy sharp things too oogle and or buy. Would like to have more WMA type folks participate... so far its moslty Japanese arts... we do have the group from NYC who does Lichtenauer and the Assaulto group which does Bolognese arts if memory serves me...

This years 2011 Swordfest event is scheduled to occur on May 14th at the Capital Area Budokai dojo, hosted by the Virginia Kenshinkai. Located at 25 S. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314, right off of Duke street and not more than thirty minutes from DC.

We are so very pleased to be hosting Swordfest once again. This event is a gathering of edged weaponry enthusiasts and the schools they study under. Eastern and Western artists alike are welcome. We come together to celebrate our common interests in life and to share what we learn, teach, and practice day-by-day.

The forum is set up in 30 minute demo slots, each group receives a specified time to demo usually 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute group photo session.

Vendors are strongly encouraged and should contact us immediately to reserve space. There is a bbq hot spot next door to the dojo known as Rocklands, so if you get hungry don't worry. Very very good food and excellent prices. Swordfest usually runs from early morning until late afternoon, where upon we ritualistically have had a big get together.

The following is a "Projected" list of performing arts at this years Swordfest 2011 taking place on May 14th from 9:30am-5:15pm at the Capital Area Budokai.

Participants should contact us regarding any issues with timeline or other concerns.

We are still looking for a few more Vendors, so if any interest is out there please notify us. Peter Boylan of Mugendo Budogu has confirmed a space as a vendor and as in the past usually visiting sensei have brought goods with them to sell. There may be a small fee on table space as we might have to rent them, but that will be posted in time.

Please note: Sensei and Senior instructors should allow time with-in their slot for set up and group photos, before the next performance.

Also, there are 'Tentative' talks of holding some seminars Friday evening and Sunday morning. More to come on that!

Performing Arts-Timeline-Instructors

1) Northern Virginia Budokai, Kendo 9:30am-9:50am
Brian Sherry Sensei

2) Northern Virginia Tendokan, Aratashii Naginata 9:50am-10:10am
Fran Vall Sensei

3) Capital Area Jodokai, Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo. 10:10am-10:30am
Dan Pearson Sensei

4) New York Historical Fencing Association 10:30am-11:00am
Michael Edelson Lead Instructor

5) Shin Dojo, Mugai Ryu Meishiha 11:00am-11:30am
Rob Rivers Sensei

6) Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Hyoho 11:30am-12:00pm
Paul Manogue Sensei

7)Lunch Break--------------Lunch Break-------------12:00pm-12:30pm

Cool Shakuhachi Flute playing 12:30pm-12:50pm
Raymond Sosnowski Sensei

9) Virginia Kenshinkai Nakamura Ryu Batto Do 12:50pm-1:20pm
Dave Drawdy Sensei

10) Byakkokan Dojo, Toyama Ryu, USBDF 1:20pm-1:50pm
Sang Kim Sensei

11) Northern Virginia Assalto 1:50pm-2:20pm
Steven Reich Lead Instructor

12) Shutokukan Dojo 2:20pm-2:50pm
Meik Skoss Sensei

13) Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu 2:50pm-3:20pm
Carl McClafferty Sensei

14)Hobyokan Dojo 3:20pm-4:05pm
David Hall Sensei

15)Northern Virginia Kyudo Kai 4:05pm-4:35pm
Bill Reid Sensei Sword

[Sir Edward]

This is a pretty cool event. I've been to it a few times. In the past, VAF has done a Liechtenauer demo, and some of the NYHFA guys have come down to do a demo as well. But it's still mostly eastern arts.

[Das Bill]

Yeah, David Rowe and I have demoed longsword in the Liechtenauer tradition for the past few years, but this year I'll be out of the country (doing sword related things).

[Sir William]

I was about to ask, 'no VAF demo' but I see Bill's comment had just come in.

[Sir James A]

Ah, I saw Mike Edelson (he did the cutting class at Longpoint 2011) and thought there might be a bit more european. Could be worth the trip if it's a weekend with nothing else going on since it's semi-local for most of us, as long as nobody is trying to slice through tanks with a katana.

[Sir Edward]

as long as nobody is trying to slice through tanks with a katana.

No worries there! these groups do really good demos. It's serious martial arts. Though I hear a few years ago there were some laughable presentations as well, and those folks never came back.

[Sir William]

Laughable like what?

[Sir Edward]

Laughable like what?

You'll have to ask Bill sometime. He relates a pretty funny story.

[Sir William]

Das Bill!  We would have a tale, Sir!

[Sir Edward]

It wouldn't be the same typed up. He really needs to perform it.

[Das Bill]

Yeah, it used to be all Japanese. They invited VAF to do a demo about five years ago as an experiment, and we were the first non-Japanese arts to perform for the event. They loved it, and every year since they've had more historical European martial arts there. This is the first year VAF can't be there, but NYHFA and NOVA Assalto will be representing the arts, and are excellent ambassadors for HEMA.

And Ed's right... I can't type the story up. It really needs to be shown.

[Sir William]

Then I'll keep it in mind.