Brisbane Martial Arts and Cultural Festival
On February 25th & 26th 2012, Brisbane will see a unique event taking place in a unique location. The event is the first ever Brisbane Martial Arts & Cultural Festival held at Queensland Rifle Association’s Belmont Grounds on 1485 Old Cleveland Rd Belmont from 10:00 to 4:00 pm.
Over the two days, a buffet array of outstanding world class performances and displays will take place at the outdoor stage area, with something new happening every half hour on the hour. The appealing outdoor grassy slopes lend themselves to a relaxing picnic/spectator area for the public to enjoy the spectacular displays. So bring a blanket or a couple of chairs, and make it a day. Grab a bite to eat, a coffee or an ice cream for the kids from one of the many food vendors on site or browse the arts & craft stalls.
While performances take place, various Martial Arts Schools and Dance Troupes will offer mini-workshops taking place at designated locations around the Festival venue. These offers everyone the opportunity to participate, learn and sign up with your favourite group. Something for everyone! Kids dress up in your favourite Kung Fu/Martial arts outfit and enjoy the fun.
Come early as the first performance starts at 10 a.m and the weekend will see the famous Lion Dance performed to kick-start the festival. Lion Dance performers from the Shaolin Temple who are made up mostly of Kung Fu practitioners, will not only entertain but also provide a spiritual expression throughout the day.
Sumo wrestling athletes from Sumo Association of Australia will display this ancient traditional Japanese martial art, which has now become an international amateur sport. Sumo matches are fast, and exciting, so don’t miss your chance to see one of these rare performances.
The phenomenal Xango Capoeira with Claudio Climaco will showcase their style of Afro-Brazilian martial art form which dates back to the 16th Century. Performed as a game of agility and precision which incorporates music and acrobatic movements, the Capoeiristas challenge each other, attacking and defending in a flowing manner to the sound of traditional drum rhythms.
The Goju Ryu Karate do Seiwakai will demonstrate the Modern Arnis Eskrima or ‘Filipino Stick Fighting’. See how the Drills used demonstrate their approach of controlling or submitting opponents, both in standing application & in going to the ground.
If you haven’t seen enough then experience Komei Juku, Japanese Swordsmanship. Enormous concentration and skills are displayed in movements like iaijutsu (individual sword-drawing techniques), suburi (cutting exercises), kata (complex patterns of techniques) only some of what is available to see as well as Shaolin temple Kung Fu and Traditional and Contemporary Wushu whom will hold a demonstration of this elite lineage of Kung fu. Additionally, Aikido, TaeKwondo, Karate are among the many styles to be shown which we can only invite you to come, experience and enjoy.
Interspersed in our program of martial arts, you will be entertained by the exotic and lovely Middle Eastern Dancers of Zills & Zhaghareets Middle Eastern Dance School run by Maria Masellos. Bollywood also comes to the festival with the energetic Racheal of Bolycise. Gals & guys alike will get an opportunity to interact with these performers providing laughs & fun.
Come and make it a day or join us for the entire weekend as there will be different performers each day. Bring the family, tell your friends and enjoy the fun, the atmosphere, the food and outstanding first class performances of martial artists and cultural performers alike. Entry fee does apply with discounts for pensioners and families. For more information, visit the festival website at www.martialartsfestival.org
PS We have some great photos if you would like to see
