Week of events to celebrate martial art’s arrival in isles
Aikido practitioners will celebrate 60 years of the martial art in Hawaii with a presentation Friday at the Jodo Mission in Honolulu.
The presentation, titled "Taste of Sugar," will feature Christopher Curtis, a Maui-based sensei and chief instructor for the Hawaii Ki Federation. He has written two books on ki aikido and is recognized as an official ki lecturer, traveling to Europe and the mainland to teach and represent the aikido community.
Aikido was brought to Hawaii in 1953 by Koichi Tohei, a top student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. The title of Curtis’ seminar, "Taste of Sugar," refers to a comment by Tohei comparing ki to sugar and that no one can truly understand what the sweetness of sugar tastes like until one has tasted it for oneself.
Curtis’ presentation is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jodo Mission Social Hall, 1420 Makiki St. Price is $15. Space is limited; call the Lokahi Ki Society at 372-7724 or email lokahiki@me.com for reservations.
The presentation is part of a three-day seminar from Friday to Monday that includes instruction in weapons and aikido rituals, a banquet and other events. Events are also open to the public for $25 to $150.
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Fair for Honolulu’s kupuna to feature crafts and sale
The talents and treasures of Honolulu’s senior citizenry will be on display and up for sale at the Mayor’s 39th Annual Craft and Country Fair on Nov. 23 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
"The centerpiece of the fair is our senior clubs," said Steven Santiago of the city Parks and Recreation Department, who is organizing the fair.
Santiago said some senior citizens have become aware of the "hoarding" phenomenon and have decided to sell off some of their long-held items. "You don’t know what might show up," he said. Last year’s fair turned up some vintage clothing, old pottery and other treasures.
The fair is also holding its first baking and jelly-making contest, he said, but come early if you want to do some taste-testing. Pies, cookies and preserves will be brought in at the opening of the fair at 9 a.m., and judging is at 10 a.m. "Someone just said they’re going to bring a jabong jelly," he said, referring to the large grapefruit otherwise known as the pomelo. "I’ve never tried it, and I’m going to buy a bottle of that."
Parks Department representatives will also be on hand for demonstrations and explanations about the city classes available to senior citizens, Santiago said.
Health screenings will be offered, along with flu shots and other vaccinations. Canned goods as well as used reading glasses and hearing aids will be collected.
The fair is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 973-7258.
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How bright are your lights?
Through December the Today section’s popular “Garden Party” feature will spotlight yards decked out for the holidays. We’ll also be putting together our annual Holiday Lights list. If you go all-out for your outdoor holiday decorations, email a description of the display, your street address, phone number and a photo if possible to features@staradvertiser.com or mail to Honolulu Star-Advertiser, c/o Holiday Lights, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. The deadline for submitting information is Dec. 2.
Guide compiles holiday happenings
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