Budokan of Los Angeles News - April 2009
| Introducing The Budokan of Los Angeles! |
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The Little Tokyo Recreation Center is now the Budokan of Los Angeles!
 As the capital campaign enters high gear and the dream of a sports complex in Little Tokyo begins to materialize, we have a very important announcement to make. The Little Tokyo Recreation Center project is now the Budokan of Los Angeles (BoLA). “Budokan” roughly translates to “martial arts hall” in Japanese. Despite the literal translation, the word “budokan” has held a mostly ambiguous definition, especially in Japan. The world-famous Nippon Budokan in Tokyo was constructed specifically for Judo competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics and other high-level martial arts events. Today, however, it is best known as a world-class concert venue and multi-purpose sports arena. As the Western counterpart to the Budokan of the East, the BoLA will provide a premier venue for karate, kendo, judo, and other martial arts. The BoLA is also capable of housing four adjacent basketball or volleyball courts for large-scale tournaments, leagues, or practices. Meeting rooms and open space (including a rooftop terrace) can also accommodate community events and social service programs. Most importantly, the term “Budokan” establishes a cultural identity for the facility, evoking the spirit of Little Tokyo and its rich history as a part of the Los Angeles community. For more than a century, Little Tokyo has endured constant change, yet has continued to thrive in downtown Los Angeles. As one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the United States, preservation of Japanese American culture remains a paramount concern for many in the community. The BoLA will ensure a cultural presence in Los Angeles, advancing a decorated legacy of sports in the Japanese American community. The brand new Budokan of Los Angeles website has launched! Check the site for updates, upcoming events, San Tai San information, and more! www.budokanofla.org |
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| See the new Budokan of Los Angeles (BoLA)! |
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Our design architect Hayahiko Takase has produced some brand new, high quality architectural renderings of the BoLA.
With the assistance of Japanese artists Ebisawa Takawa and Tsujikawa
Saya (Ishou Keikaku Corporation), we now have a visual conception
of the upcoming sports and activities center – and we
couldn’t be more excited!
Mr. Takase’s design is a contemporary take on classical Japanese architecture, combining a traditional tiled roof with a modern glass façade. The center section of the roof will be surrounded by a landscaped garden, complete with a jogging path circling the structure. The roof also includes an open terrace for meetings or receptions. Two levels of parking will accommodate up to 250 cars. One level of parking is to be constructed underground while the second parking level will be the ground floor of the BoLA. The ground floor will include the main entrance, along with two retail spaces. The four-court gymnasium will occupy most of the second floor. The mezzanine level above the courts will offer many views of the action below from multiple balconies and windows.  |
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| Register for San Tai San 2009! Save $20 before April 20th!!!
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11th Annual San Tai San
The exciting 3-on-3 tournament will kick off after the morning Chibi-K run, which is open for free to all San Tai San registrants. Early registration is open now and is priced at $55! This is a limited offer that will expire on April 20th. Don’t miss out…that’s a savings of $20! Register now! San Tai San Website
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| Omega Sigma Tau |
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The
Omega Sigma Tau fraternity of UCLA has been a great help to the BoLA
campaign throughout the years. The Omegas have volunteered at
many of our past events and have helped with fundraising and
outreach. This year, Omega Sigma Tau will provide volunteer help
for San Tai San and other Children’s Day festivities, so look for
them working hard on May 23rd! The Omegas also organize the
Battle Royale dance competition, the proceeds of which will benefit the
Budokan of Los Angeles.
A big thanks to Omega Sigma Tau; the BoLA campaign would be far more difficult if not for your help!  Omega Sigma Tau Battle Royale LA |
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