Dō: On the Path to Virtue

JAPAN HOUSE São Paulo features sports content in its program with the exhibit “DŌ: On the Path to Virtue,” which unveils the history, technique, and philosophy of six of the Japanese martial arts. From August 21 to September 16, this important pillar of Japanese wisdom will occupy the ground floor of the cultural center with information, photos, videos, lectures, and practical demonstrations that highlight the main elements, movements, and concepts of Aikido, Kendō, Karatedō, Judō, Sumō, and Kyudō.

Through the philosophy of Budô, a term that refers to martial arts and has its origins in the ancient tradition of Bushido - or 'the path of the warrior' -, the stories and curiosities of these six sports will be presented and highlight characteristics common to all, such as discipline and personal and spiritual growth. To complement the experience, the exhibit will promote, in partnership with their respective sports entities, several lectures and an intense program with 52 sports workshops that will introduce each of the six arts and present their basic techniques.

More than a sport, practitioners of martial arts based on Budô have their own lifestyle shaped by discipline and the effort to unify mind and body.

“The philosophical and moral precepts and the conduct of Budo practitioners are conveyed and perpetuated to give the same importance to the development of both body and mind, and this is the outcome of a lot of discipline and dedication. It is paramount to convey a little of the Japanese spirit and, within the perspective of the upcoming major world sporting events, we kicked-off, with DŌ - On the Path to Virtue, a series of presentations to showcase these practices”, says JHSP Cultural Director Natasha Barzaghi Geenen.

The space also features a mat for workshops and demonstrations to encourage the visitors’ participation, as they will have direct contact with the techniques and philosophies.

The workshop program is coordinated by the judoka Daniel Hernandes, gold medalist at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, and collaboration of the Central Academy - South American Union of Aikido; Aikido Kawai; the Aikido Research Association; the Brazilian Kendo Confederation; the Brazilian Sumo Confederation; the São Paulo Judo Federation; the São Paulo Karate Federation; Brazil Kyudo Kai; the Kodokan Institute of Brazil, in addition to support from Bunkyo - the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance.

Source: Nippon Budokoan Foundation
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DŌ: On the Path to Virtue
JAPAN HOUSE São Paulo – Avenida Paulista, 52
August 21 to September 16, 2018
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: from 10 am to 8 pm
Sundays and public holidays: from 10 am to 6 pm
Mondays*: CLOSED
Free admission
*JAPAN HOUSE São Paulo remains closed every Monday, without exception, including holidays.