Day 2548: Everything has a history.

3 kids waiting for the parade: old photo, collage & digit

SBTP/Story behind the picture:

Some of the old photos I use are adoptees, 

found waiting for me at flee market or sales. 

Others are relatives or have family ties.  

I believe these were my Dad's cousins, so mine too I guess. 

I seem to remember their name was Byers. 

I m the oldest of my Dad's family so no one to ask? 

But, I think my Dad said that they were 

waiting to be part of the parade in town in Indiana.

Want music?

 

Click here for El DeBarge, After the Dance,

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

2GN2S: Too good not to share:

Everything has a history.

Los Angeles International Airport's iconic flying-saucer-shaped Theme Building, has that extraterrestrial modern flair! The Theme Building, whose construction was complete in 1961, was designed by the Pereira & Luckman architectural firm in the 'Googie Style,' an architectural style influenced by futuristic elements. Over the course of its history, the Theme Building has been a restaurant (that even rotated when I ate there once, in its earlier days), a must-visit for plane-spotters and a common star of film and photo-shoots. 

It is now home to the Bob Hope USO. There's good news for plane watchers, too, as the Theme Building's observation level is open to the public on certain weekends.

For FB Throwback Thursday ...

Young WW and big sister Lisa, Honbu Dojo, 1980

A smile for Thursday ...

Day 2417: Dad and The Last Dojo.

Sensei: digital photo

Want music?

 

Click here for Yo-Yo Ma, Japanese Melodies

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A Short Dad Story.

Dad didn't understand Karate. But he liked the self defense part.

But, in his mind, it was like training to be a plumber.

You studied and when you knew enough, you were a plumber. 

When I earned my black belt in 1979, 

my Dad asked why I continued to train, wasn't I done? 

I explained that I was just a beginner and would never be done. 

So the fact that I still go to class twice a week after 47 years

to learn, he would probably equate with a very slow learner.

I think there may be four types who visit this little blog.

People who enjoy art and art techniques etc.

People who like the family stories, Dad stories especially.

People who are interested in Karate and Demura Sensei especially.

And, people who visit for the daily smile & maybe skip the rest? 

Some have asked for more about Karate and Demura Sensei.

So a film directed by dear friend, William Christopher Ford,  

(Sensei at his own Kaizen Dojo in Torrance) and 

his collaborators, have made a stunning short film,  

The Last Dojo.

 

After many months of hard work and dedication, 

the Skycraft Studios team is proud to officially announce 

the release of our short documentary film “The Last Dojo”. 

This film is an introspective look into the final days 

of Sensei Fumio Demura’s legendary dojo 

based in Santa Ana, CA. His dojo, which stood the test 

of time for nearly 50 years, was home to some 

of the worlds most prominent martial artists. 

 You can purchase this 20 minute film at thelastdojo.com. @vimeo 

For a mere $1.99, it is yours forever.

If you do purchase the movie, Skycraft Studios asks that 

you give them feedback by commenting on their site here. 

I did and share it below.

"As I have told you in person, I loved your film. 

It captures our love of Demura Sensei and our rickety old dojo. 

It probably wouldn't have passed code on anything, 

but we loved it. 

 The film also captured the traditions and the way Sensei 

has taught and continues to teach, to this day.

We are now in a new dojo, and Sensei brought the shinzen 

from the old dojo to our new dojo. 

When we watch your film, we ache for the old honbu dojo.
Thank you all for your sensitivity in filming, it is wonderful. 

A time capsule for us and the future generations."

I think you will enjoy it.

A smile for Saturday ...

Day 2401: They're coming!

2 Geisha: old prints, collage and digital

Want music?

 

Click here for Hiroshima, One Wish.

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They're coming!

They are & some are already here.

Competitors, Referees & families are on their way 

from Japan, Germany, England, Chile, 

Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama,

 Europe, Canada, Mexico & all over the US

Airports, rental cars, hotels, training,

eating, shopping & more.

And the tournament!

58 degrees, Cloudy, Santa Ana, CA

...  after class 12 joined Demura Sensei for lunch at Uoko.

N.J., Minnesota, Canada & CA representatives, photo by Mei Okumura

For FB Throwback Thursday ...

 

Yuji Okumota, Chuck Norris, Demurs Sensei, Pat Morita

Demura Senseei's 25th Anniversary, 1990, Costa Mesa, CA

A smile for Thursday ...

Day 2359: McDonald's is still in business.

awareness, scrap paper collage postcard

Want music?

 

Click here for Norah Jones, Come Away With Me.

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The step by step process in the collage postcard above ...

step 1

step 2 & 3

step 4

step 5

step 6

step 7

7 scraps of paper, a glue-stick, a brayer = fun and done.

 

ready to address, stamp & mail

63 degrees, Mainly Sunny, Santa Ana, CA.

For FB Throwback Thursday ...

Our original Shito-Ryu, Genbu-Kai Hombu Dojo,
1429 N. Bristol Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Taken by the City of Santa Ana in eminent domain, 
 in order to widen Bristol Street.
The McDonald's next door is still in business.

A smile for Thursday ...

Day 2028: a week earlier, but it's here!

family: old photo, collage & digital

Want music?

 

Click here for Aretha Franklin, Daydreaming

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A week earlier, but it's here & time for our  ...

Our guests, competitors & instructors from all over the world 
are arriving daily for this international event. 

Some came early to warm up in our SoCal weather.

Much like a huge family reunion, 

multiple daily classes are large and fun.
For many it's their first visit to our new forever dojo.

Demura sensei is never happier than when his students come home.

Today we had Canada, New Jersey, Minnesota in the house. 

More on the way!

70 degrees, Sunny, Santa Ana, CA

A smile for Tuesday ...