Ravenswood Shorin-ryu Karate Dojo instructor Erik Matsunaga recently traveled to Los Angeles to attend his home dojo’s annual New Years party. With 100+ attendees filtering in throughout the evening, this potluck gathering is a celebration of friends, family, and community.

Since there are often first-time visitors (family members, friends, friends of friends, etc.) who may not be familiar with karate, the dojo puts on a little demonstration as part of the evening’s activities. In addition to karate, there was also a demonstration of classical Japanese dance, taiko drumming, karaoke, as well as live jazz music.

Ishii-sensei, head instructor of Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu of Little Tokyo, performs a sai kata.

Erik Matsunaga of Ravenswood Dojo demonstrates a bo kata.

Walter and Jon demonstrate free-form applications.

Little Tokyo Dojo yudansha perform Rohai kata.

Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu of Little Tokyo, 2017 New Years Party.

1st Street: Los Angeles’ Historic Little Tokyo District for over a century.