A center for Eastern culture is planned to be created in Vitebsk
The Republican Federation of Martial Arts "Aikibudo" has put forward an initiative to establish an Eastern Culture Center in Vitebsk based at a local martial arts school. As reported to a BELTA correspondent, the federation's chairman, Gennady Frolov, has already secured the support of Sviatoslav Gaevsky, the head of the Minsk public association for Eastern Culture and Traditions "Hagakure."
"Martial arts are very well developed in our region. They involve not only the study of combat techniques but also traditions, Japanese terminology, and an introduction to Eastern culture. Therefore, with the support of local authorities and the technical assistance of 'Hagakure,' we want to organize a comprehensive center in Vitebsk where one can study the art of the tea ceremony, ikebana, painting, and calligraphy, and learn the Japanese language. There are enthusiasts in Vitebsk interested in these areas; they just need to undergo appropriate training. This requires time and patience, especially since Eastern people, as is well known, do not like to rush," explained Gennady Frolov.
"Aikibudo" operates in Vitebsk and strictly adheres to the training program established and standardized throughout the system. Classes are held in halls decorated in a traditional style, using Japanese terminology. Both children and adults participate. Aikibudo is a comprehensive martial art that has preserved the traditions of the samurai martial arts of ancient Japan.
The public association for Eastern Culture and Traditions "Hagakure" was established in Minsk with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Belarus. Its goals are to promote the study and mastery of the richness of Japanese and Slavic cultural heritage among its members; to study and propagate the achievements of the Japanese and Slavic peoples in the fields of arts, traditions, sports, and cultural heritage.
Ekaterina Knyazeva