Launching of the 1st International Martial Arts Family Festival in Japan

The World TIMD Japan with UMAI (Unified Martial Arts International, a newly organized group in Tokyo by the Philippine community) launch the 1st International Martial Arts Family Festival . This activity which will be held annually brings the best martial arts performance on stage in a family atmosphere. Top officials of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo grace and witness the event from the start. Other officers of different associations also throw their support . In the opening remarks, Sensei Noemie Esguerra (an International Judo Champion) reminds the audience about the original role and the importance of unity among the existing martial arts for the building of peace. The powerpoint presentation of the history and purposes of Tong-Il Moo-Do by the Vice-President of W-TIMD Japan, Master Tatekimi Matsuzaki, awakens and impresses the 150 attendees including the guest speaker and other VIPs about the real meaning of martial arts. The guest speaker, Hon. Benito Bengzon Jr. of the Philippine Embassy, confirms the original purpose of martial arts and expresses his desire to join the Tong-Il Moo-Do training. Hon. Lilibeth Pono, Consul of Philippine Embassy, inducts and gives an inspirational message to the newly formed UMAI group and its officers and members. Master Hoshiko Takamitsu who conceived the martial arts festival explains further the purpose of the event and the possibility of holding the affair annually. Hon. Reynaldo Regalado of Philippine Embassy congratulates the new officers by giving his support to the group. He serves as one of the advisers of UMAI. After Miss Gina Yago accepted her responsibility as UMAI President, two TIMD students (UMAI Vice President Francis dela Cruz and one newest student Cris Ballares who is wife of an Aikido Master) give their testimonies on how martial arts has changed their lifestyles for the better.

The second part of the festival is a martial arts demonstration and entertainment. The opening is a martial arts comedy skit presentation by Teatro Kanto followed by the Judo exhibition by Instructress Noemie Esguerra, an international judo champion. In between the presentation is a raffle draw. The Aikido demonstration by Master Romeo Ballares fascinates the audience while the Tong-Il Moo-Do performance (headed by Master Hoshiko Takamitsu with Masters from Philippines and Japan and some students) stuns them more. Martial Arts tutorials comes next and ended with a disco program. Everybody is inspired and really feels a family atmosphere of feast. The event concludes successfully with an invitation to perform in the independence day program of the Philippines on June 6 in Tokyo. The MCs are George Cabrera (Director of Teatro Kanto) and Lila Lumcang-Estolas (former President of Abrenian Association). Our special thanks to W-CARP Japan and other sponsors of the event. After the festival, Tong-Il Moo-Do gains many students including the Master from Aikido and Judo. Some top officials of the Philippine Embassy may join the training soon.