DSBK received LATC funding to cover the cost of scholarships, subsidizing supplies, and instructors’ pay for a series of experiential and creative student exchange workshops with multiple nonprofits and business creatives. These workshops were modeled on student exchange programs, which immerse students in foreign settings so that they gain more global perspectives, a zeal for diversity, and the realization that our human commonalities outnumber our differences.
Durango Shin-Budo Kai
Programs
1. The Magnetic Connection:
Aikido students and swing dancers explored connection, a central aspect of both disciplines.
Participants from the dance and aikido communities worked together for nearly four hours, improving their ability to smoothly connect to another person physically. Instructors Mark Winkworth and Autumn von Flotow brought their 20+ years of teaching experience to this crossover class and wowed the students.
Dancers inquired about enrolling in upcoming Aikido classes, and the martial artists were keen to register for dance classes. Both sides see how the seemingly unrelated training can improve and enrich the hobby they’re already passionate about.
This workshop was for women by women. The exchange combined traditional Japanese weapons training (bokkendo and jodo) with Ikebana (flower arranging). Both disciplines highlight the power embedded in the seemingly soft and the incredibly soft finesse required to move with strength.
2. Soft is Strong | Strong is Soft:
“Had a fantastic time! Thank you for making it happen.” –Jennifer
“Great event! Well done! An absolute blast!” –Amy
“I feel so grateful and joyful after your class! It was a treasure, thank you so much for creating it for us!” –Sky
“We all had a lot of fun and learned a lot.” –Lisa
This was so magical.” –Erica
3. Train like a Samurai:
This workshop combined art kiddos with aikido kiddos. They forged a well-rounded spirit through combined physical and artistic activities, just like the Samurai. Children learned aikido, bokkendo and jodo (traditional weapons) and Nihonga (traditional painting).
This workshop combines dance and Aikido families! Lessons will emphasize cross-body neural pathways—aspects already taught at both the dance studio and the dojo separately. Stimulating cross-body pathways are also extremely helpful to and fun for differently-abled participants!
4. brain Body Boogie:
Kids and parents danced and explored martial movement concepts to improve their proprioception (detecting one’s presence within a space), balance, and coordination. They tested their reflexes and challenged their bodies and brains with tricky left-right crossover motions (hence all the tricky sword work).
The LTAC funding was vital for all families who signed up. All parents noted on their registration form that the cost of enrichment programs often prevents them from signing their kids up for new activities and fresh challenges. Had scholarships not been provided, these families would not have been able to add this expense to their tight budgets