The Embassy of Japan in Paraguay has announced it will host a series of public talks and demonstrations focusing on traditional Japanese martial arts. These events, which are free to attend, are being held as complementary activities for the ongoing multidisciplinary exhibition, “DŌ: On the path to virtue”. The first Martial Arts talks and demonstrations event in the series will take place on 28 July, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30. The second event on 1 August, from 10:00 to 11:30, both at the the Paraguayan-Japanese Centre in Asunción.
The primary goal of the programme is to offer the public a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, and practice of disciplines such as karate-do and judo. Furthermore, the events aim to highlight the core values of discipline, tradition, and personal development that are intrinsically linked to Japanese martial arts.
Both the talks and the exhibition are situated within the context of a significant historical milestone. They commemorate the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay, celebrating the long-standing cultural connections between the two nations.
The philosophy of the path
The entire series of Martial Arts talks and demonstrations events is framed by the concepts presented in the photographic exhibition, “DŌ, On the path to virtue”. This exhibition explores the profound philosophy, distinct aesthetics, and rigorous discipline of various Japanese martial arts, including judo, karate, and kyudo. It presents Budō, the collective term for modern Japanese martial arts, as a practice that extends far beyond the realm of sport. Instead, it is presented as a dedicated path towards mental, physical, and spiritual formation.
In Japanese culture, the term DŌ translates to “path” or “way,” signifying a commitment to discipline and constant training. Consequently, Budō represents the pursuit of harmony between physical technique and inner development. This journey is guided by fundamental values such as perseverance, respect, and achieving a delicate balance between the mind and the body. These principles are central to the upcoming public demonstrations.
Exploring the history of Karate Do Kushin Ryu
The first event in the series will take place on 28 July, from 19:00 to 20:30. This session will be held in the Seminar Room of the Paraguayan-Japanese Centre, located at Julio Correa and Domingo Portillo in the Villa Guaraní neighbourhood. The session features a detailed talk titled, “History of Karate Do Kushin Ryu in Paraguay.”
This presentation will be led by the Association of Kushin Style Teaching Institutions. It will provide attendees with specific insights into how this particular style of karate was established and developed within the country. The talk offers a unique opportunity to learn about the local lineage of a global martial art, connecting its rich traditions to the Paraguayan community.
Demonstrations of judo and its origins
Subsequently, a second event dedicated to judo will be held on 1 August, from 10:00 to 11:30. Titled “Judo and its origins,” this session will take place in the Gymnasium of the Paraguayan-Japanese Centre. The event is being organised by the Paraguayan Judo Federation and will feature practical demonstrations.
The programme includes demonstrations of modern competitive judo, showcasing the dynamic and athletic nature of the sport. In addition, the event will feature a demonstration of Nage No Kata, which is a pre-arranged formal sequence of throwing techniques that illustrates the underlying principles of judo.
The Embassy of Japan extends a warm invitation to the public to participate in these free activities, which promise to provide valuable knowledge about the tradition and principles that define Japanese martial arts.
