Our Gedatsu Church hosts a variety of activities that appeal to the diverse interests of young and old — everything from martial arts training to classes for Japanese tea ceremony and ukulele instruction. We invite you to join us and check them out!
Gedatsu Dojo
Gedatsu Dojo offers instruction in Kendo, the traditional Japanese style of martial arts, in which practitioners use long bamboo sword-like sticks, footwork, and voice to properly strike and gain advantage of their opponents. Gedatsu Dojo combines martial arts practices and values of Kendo – respect, appreciation, courtesy, and self-awareness – which align with the Gedatsu teaching. Every practice session begins with a prayer before the altar in the dojo.
Age Level: Students ages 7 to adult
Days/Time: 7pm – 9pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings
Location: Recreation hall adjacent to the LA Gedatsu Church
For further information, contact Gedatsu Dojo at gedatsuusakendo@gmail.com.
iForce Dojo
iForce Dojo teaches youth the modern Japanese mixed-martial arts discipline of Nippon Kenpo, in which practitioners wear traditional protective gear and gloves to engage in free-fighting, self-defense techniques for striking, throwing, and ground combat. The aim of iForce Dojo is to instill in students a sense of self-confidence, mental and physical strength, and strong character. iForce Dojo emphasizes mental, physical, spiritual, and moral development, family life, discipline, multicultural awareness, community service, and activism.
Age Level: Students ages 5-16 years old
Days/Time: 6pm – 7pm on Monday and Wednesday evenings
Location: Recreation hall adjacent to the LA Gedatsu Church
For further information, contact Sensei Mark Ishida at a 626-328-0092 or markishida1@gmail.com.
Tea Ceremony Classes
Learn the ancient Japanese art of the tea ceremony, known as Chado, or the “way of tea.” This is a beginner-level class, but additional instruction for intermediate practitioners is also available.
Age Level: Students ages 7 years and older
Days/Time: Fourth Sunday of each month at 11:30am, immediately following the Appreciation Service
Location: Sacramento Spiritual Center
Fees: Enrollment is free, and attendance on a drop-in basis is welcome.
To enroll in the class or more information, contact Jessica at (916) 879-3351 or pichikeen@gmail.com or Reverend Mica at (916) 363-6054 or gedatsuchurchsac@gmail.com.
Ukelele Classes
Want to play a musical instrument that’s fun to play and easy to learn? Beginner-to-advanced classes in ukulele instruction are taught at the LA Gedatsu Church by professional musicians, Stan and Rocena Tashiro. No experience is needed. The ukulele classes are sponsored by the Gedatsu Church and the AIJO Foundation.
Age Level: Students in the second grade or older
Days/Time: Classes are held once a week, on Saturdays
- Beginner class at 9:30am. Basics of ukulele, how to hold it, how to strum, and simple songs.
- Intermediate class at 10:30am. Additional strums, more chords, and new songs.
- Advanced class at 11:45 am. Beyond the first three frets to the next level.
Location: Recreation hall adjacent to the LA Gedatsu Church
Fees:$25/month for the first student and $20/month for each additional family member or friend
For more information, contact Mark Ishida, LA regional board chair, at 626-328-0092 or markishida1@gmail.com.