Aikido Iaido Shodo Ikebana Bonsai - Japanese Martial & Cultural Arts
“A close observation of Nature is essential - Jonathan Bannister Sensei, Founder
to realizing our human potential and
our place in the World.”
The natural decceleration and acceleration of a ball thrown in the air, the way water flows around rocks in a stream, the regular shift of the seasons, . . . these illustrate more profoundly than any words the natural rhythms to which we must adhere if we are to achieve our full potential as human beings. We are bound to this world, yet free to observe and learn, and achieve the greatness promised to us by Nature. At the urging of his first teachers, Bannister Sensei studied traditional Japanese cultural arts in addition to the martial arts. In addition to performing demonstrations at local schools, businesses, and community groups, and accepting numerous commissions and supplying local galleries, he offers instruction to Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo members who wish to enjoy these wonderful arts. A visit to the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo headquarters in Edmonds, WA reveals a collection of beautiful, old bonsai and rows of calligraphic paintings available for sale. Bannister Sensei uses the funds raised to support his passion for sharing Budo and Japanese traditional arts with the community. Those for sale tend are small and inexpensive, but others are obviously labors of great love and meant only for his personal pleasure. "These are my friends," he declares while gesturing to bonsai and paintings alike. "They have taught me important lessons about humanity." In a corner of the headquarters is a fine woodshop, used to repair swords and build projects (much of the dojo's major construction was done by Bannister Sensei himself). Shelves high on the walls hold a large collection of ikebana vessels. "I like the ephemeral nature of flower arranging. Holding a balance of the colors, directions and shapes of the flowers is an exercise in concentration. Yet the whole effect appears spontaneous, just as a disciplined person lives." Whether by tree or brush, flower or sword, Bannister Sensei strives for beauty and personal intregrity. "I'm always looking for opportunities to share my understanding with others. Every time I go out to demonstrate or teach one of the Budo arts, I discover something. Usually it's how much more I need to study!" he says with a hearty laugh. That is surely true, but one can't help but be impressed by the breadth and depth of Sensei Bannister's studies and the sincerity with which he offers to share.
Bonsai: Potted Trees
Whether an indoor or outdoor specimen, every tree has specific individual characteristics that can be brought out by the bonsai artist for greater appreciation or to improve the health of the plant. Pruning, wiring, and judicious potting reveals the natural beauty of the living being by limiting the elements to essentials. The essence of "tree-ness" must be brought forth for a bonsai to be successful art. Entire landscapes can be illuminated in the mind of the viewer. When executed very well, a fine bonsai can be simply breath-taking as it captures the imagination and reminds us of the elemental forces of Nature.
Bannister Sensei periodically offers bonsai workshops, and is always available to give private instruction to interested individuals. Looking for a particular specimen to grace your garden or office? Maybe you need a very special gift. Don't be afraid of bonsai care: they're really not so difficult. With a little common sense you can help a bonsai thrive. Bannister Sensei has lovely indoor and outdoor bonsai to meet any budget available for sale. He also happily accepts commissioned works: choose your tree specimen from his nursery and he will create a unique showpiece just for you. Contact the dojo or call 425-771-6816 to inquire about bonsai availability and instruction.
Shodo: Brush Calligraphy
Kanji written characters originated from China, but the Japanese have made them their own with distinctive forms executed with a delightful spontaneity rare in such a disciplined culture. The beautifully brushed characters of Shodo are both communicative pictograms and vehicles of exquisite artistic expression. The strokes themselves can be imbued with the power to evoke strong emotion, even when the characters themselves may not be understood.
The Way of the brush and the Way of the sword have often been compared, and Bannister Sensei was urged by his martial arts teachers to develop his natural artistic abilities through the study of traditional calligraphy. Today his works reside in many private collections, and he delights in sharing the basics of Shodo with others, especially school children. Members of the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo are sometimes surprised to receive instruction in Aikido or swordsmanship from Bannister Sensei with brush in hand, as he illustrates particular concepts not easily communicated through other media.
Bannister Sensei regularly teaches the basics of Shodo to school and community groups, and enjoys teaching privately as well. He invites you to contact him if a Shodo program would delight your group or class. He regularly accepts commissions for calligraphic works on particular themes. Contact the dojo or call 425-771-6816 to inquire about Shodo art availability and instruction.
Ikebana: Flower Arranging
There is a famous story about a Japanese martial arts master meeting a new martial arts teacher for the first time. He surprised the young teacher by inquiring what style of flower arrangement he practiced in his school. There are countless special events and circumstances in the life of a martial arts dojo when beautiful flower arrangements are needed. Flower arrangements can subtly celebrate or comment on ideas, or events, or simply be seasonal wonders. Bannister Sensei has always loved to garden, so Japanese flower arranging was a very natural addition to his martial arts studies. Each of his dojo have a traditional tokonoma, or display alcove, where beautiful Shodo masterpieces are usually coupled with appropriate flowers to stimulate the students or commemorate a topic.
Bannister Sensei creates these ephemeral artworks in the large format, semi-formal, upright Seika style, or in Nage-ire "dropped-in" style when something more spontaneous is called for. In each case, he balances the three major design elements called Shin-Tai-Soe - representing heaven, earth, and man - to create the characteristic assymetrical balance of Japanese flower arranging. He reports that part of the fun is choosing the right vessel to complement the arrangement. In all cases the natural flowers soon fade, so this traditional art is always a reminder of the temporal nature of the world.
Bannister Sensei periodically teaches workshops in Japanese style flower arranging, and for many years has provided gorgeous arrangements for special events at the Pacific Northwest Budo Association and the Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo. He is pleased to offer instruction to schools, businesses, community groups, and interested individuals. Contact the dojo or call 425-771-6816 to inquire.
Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo
Basic Principles for Life
- Create a Calm Center
- Be Comfortably Relaxed
- Practice Dependable Posture
- Seek the Simplest Solution
- Smile and Be Natural
Dr. Jonathan Bannister, Headmaster
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Tsubomi Seishin Kan Dojo
(425) 771-6816
sensei@tsubomidojo.com
Serving the communities of Seattle, Everett, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, and Edmonds
with high-quality, low-cost instruction in Aikido, Iaido, Aiki-ken, Aiki-jo, Ki Development,
Ki Meditation, Kiatsu Ryoho, Bonsai, Shodo, and Ikebana.
