Asian Nights 2 at NALIS - A Judo and Kendo Collaboration
May 25, 2025: On the evening of May 14th, 2025, the Queen’s Park Judo Club (QPJC) and Kendo Federation of T&T (KFTT) put on a joint demonstration of judo and kendo, respectively, at the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS). It was for the opening of Asian Nights 2, a public showcase of Asian culture, arts and cuisine. Participating countries were the “Big Three” of Asia – India, China and Japan. The Embassy of Japan specifically requested the QPJC and KFTT to demonstrate these iconic Japanese Martial Arts to officially start their offering of Japanese Culture to the public. The other two nights would feature China and India.
The demonstrations were preceded by a very short skit by a judoka and a kendoka, which depicted a confrontation between 2 warriors and gave context to the performances that followed. The kendoka did their demonstration and the judoka did theirs after. Both had just 4 minutes each for their displays, which was very short, but necessary due to the tight schedule for the event. From all accounts, the demonstrations were a hit with the audience, which was probably over 300 people cramped under the rotunda. This was the second time that judo and kendo collaborated for the Japanese Embassy and their bold mission to promote Japanese Culture in T&T. The first was for Together 2024 at Queen’s Hall last September, which commemorated 60 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and T&T.
Congratulations on a job well done to all that participated. They did their respective organizations proud. They showed their techniques in a way that the audience understood and appreciated. Their objective was to educate and entertain, and they ticked those boxes marvellously. Many thanks to the behind-the-scenes people – parents who brought their kids and who provided the QPJC banner for the event. Although the event didn’t yield in new sign-ups yet, which was expected, it is important to note that we are sowing the seeds for more people to join in the future, something bigger. Sometimes we become impatient and frustrated when we don’t see things happen in front of us, right away. Instant gratification might be suitable for some, but not for others. “Hard” things like judo and kendo profoundly benefit one’s spirit and leave an indelible mark in the lives of people who do them. That’s why they’ve been around for so long and will continue long after we’re gone, and that’s why we do them.
Finally, many thanks to the Embassy of Japan for once again giving us the opportunity to show the public what we do. This is this spirit of collaboration that lies at the heart of judo’s highest ideal – Jita Kyoei, Mutual Benefit for All.
Mark Littrean
The demonstrations were preceded by a very short skit by a judoka and a kendoka, which depicted a confrontation between 2 warriors and gave context to the performances that followed. The kendoka did their demonstration and the judoka did theirs after. Both had just 4 minutes each for their displays, which was very short, but necessary due to the tight schedule for the event. From all accounts, the demonstrations were a hit with the audience, which was probably over 300 people cramped under the rotunda. This was the second time that judo and kendo collaborated for the Japanese Embassy and their bold mission to promote Japanese Culture in T&T. The first was for Together 2024 at Queen’s Hall last September, which commemorated 60 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and T&T.
Congratulations on a job well done to all that participated. They did their respective organizations proud. They showed their techniques in a way that the audience understood and appreciated. Their objective was to educate and entertain, and they ticked those boxes marvellously. Many thanks to the behind-the-scenes people – parents who brought their kids and who provided the QPJC banner for the event. Although the event didn’t yield in new sign-ups yet, which was expected, it is important to note that we are sowing the seeds for more people to join in the future, something bigger. Sometimes we become impatient and frustrated when we don’t see things happen in front of us, right away. Instant gratification might be suitable for some, but not for others. “Hard” things like judo and kendo profoundly benefit one’s spirit and leave an indelible mark in the lives of people who do them. That’s why they’ve been around for so long and will continue long after we’re gone, and that’s why we do them.
Finally, many thanks to the Embassy of Japan for once again giving us the opportunity to show the public what we do. This is this spirit of collaboration that lies at the heart of judo’s highest ideal – Jita Kyoei, Mutual Benefit for All.
Mark Littrean