In a special performance melding karate and theater, members of Edmonds-based Carter Karate Institute of Peace came together Saturday morning on the Edmonds Library Plaza to film a performance in honor of Black Lives Matter.
“Martial arts, and karate in particular, are all about peace, calm and control – unless of course you need to protect yourself,” explained Jeanne Misha Martinez Carter, who has been practicing karate for 44 years and heads up the school located at 9792 Edmonds Way. “We wanted to use our art as a tool to recognize and honor the Black Lives Matter movement, and in particular those who have fallen victim and are no longer with us.”
The performers worked their choreographed routines among a series of empty black frames and a lone figure dressed in black signifying and recognizing those who have been lost.
The performance was captured on video, and according to Carter will be available in a few days on the Carter Karate Institute of Peace YouTube channel.
— Story and photos by Larry Vogel
This is beautiful, Misha! As one of few African-American entrepreneurs and black business owners in Edmonds, an excellent way to show Black Lives Matters values in action is supporting you and all you do here. So where do I sign up for lessons while sheltering-in-place?
Thank you Shihan Carter. Black Lives Do Matter!!!!
Can’t wait to see the video – thank you, Misha, for your thoughtfulness and willingness to share with the community.
I said I was never going to comment here again due to censorship, but I have an ego, I know it’s my character flaw, and need to know when to use it and when to put it aside.
First, the “Odyssey of Peace” video hasn’t been posted yet. I set a reminder for it on youtube, and will continue to wait for it. My first inclination is to point out that Karate is Japanese, and this is cultural appropriation. I’m in favor of cultural appropriate, and am just pointing out the selective policing of this.
Second, I am guessing that I wouldn’t agree with what the production is trying to express. I came across this Karate production that I find incredibly powerful, leaving less to interpretation. The empty black frames in Odyssey of Peace likely represent George Floyd and Michael Brown. This video uses kids as empty black frames. I’m sharing this hoping others find it as powerful as I do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuwoCtNmXKY