2013 PAWMA Camp registration now open
Early registration extended.
Register by May 31 for best rates.
October 11-14, Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, Turner OR
Work-study scholarships available for current PAWMA members.
Apply today.
PAWMA Camp 2013
Friday Oct 11 - Monday Oct 14
Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center, Turner OR
http://www.aldersgateretreat.com/
FEMA's New Year Celebration
By Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate
Photo courtesy of Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate.
Annually, in December, for the last twelve years our dojo (Five Element Martial Arts/FEMA) has celebrated a New Year ritual based on the ancient Japanese cleansing practice called "Misogi".
What is a Misogi?
Purification ceremonies precede the commencement of all important events and functions in Japan. Misogi is a Shinto practice involving purification in a waterfall or other natural running water (like a dousing practice). Before undergoing this cleansing in the icy water, participants don white kimonos or white loin clothes and white headbands. They begin to "Shake the Soul" with various vigorous activities that include; bouncing their hand in front of the stomach to awaken the soul within, followed by calisthenics called "bird rowing", then shouting invocations that activate the soul, affirm the soul's potential and unify the group. Before they enter the waterfall, they raise their metabolism and absorb as much ki/qi using special breath work. They are then sprinkled with purifying salt and are given sake to spit into the waterfall in three mouthfuls. The leader counts to nine and does a cut in the air to dispel any impurities left over before the participants enter the waterfall while chanting "Harae-Tamae-Kiyome-Tamai-Ro-Kon-Sho-Jo" - which is a request to Gods for total purification of the six elements of the human being, the five senses, and the mind.
Our 35th Annual Training Camp Weekend was held August 3-5, 2012 in Berkeley, California
with 100+ women martial artists in attendance.
Photo credit: Malaika Kambon
See camp photos at http://photos.inverseofverse.com/Other/PAWMA-2012/ (password: fukuda) and http://peopleseye.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/PAWMA-Spirit-of-the-Dragon/C0000QZLEyRn9dA0
Listen to "Modern Combat Masters w/ Darrell Sarjeant & Restita DeJesus" recorded and blogcasted live during PAWMA Camp 2012.
