Group items tagged

"Kenjutsu is the traditional sword-fighting style of Japan that uses a katana as the primary weapon. The katana is a single-edged, slightly curved blade used by the samurai, or warrior caste, of feudal Japan. Kenjutsu means "way of the sword" and was practiced by the samurai as training for war and for perfection of self. The history of Kenjutsu dates back to the late Kamakura Period ( 1192 - 1333) when the country was embroiled in a series of civil wars unparalleled in Japanese history, as the influence and authority of the ruling Ashikaga Shogunate waned and the various provincial warlords all vied with one another for hegemony and control of the land. It was in this tumultuous environment that the growth of the military arts blossomed, as there evolved the need for well-organized martial disciplines to train and prepare the legions of warriors and clan members for combat on the battlefields. Kenjutsu was one of the Six Ancient Martial Arts which warriors study; the others were archery, jujutsu, gunnery, horsemanship and spearman ship. But in terms of popularity and practicality, kenjutsu (swordsmanship) practitioners outnumbered all others, especially with the advent of the warrior's code of ethic, Bushido. The pre-eminence of the study of swordsmanship continued up until the late 20th century, when unarmed martial arts then became popular."

Valletta, Malta's Capital City and a World Heritage site, is nothing short of an open-air museum. Valletta known as Il-Belt, contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller. The city is essentially Baroque in character with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected area, though World War II left major scars on the city. The City of Valletta was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The city is named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, who succeeded in defending the island from an Ottoman invasion in 1565. The official name given by the Order of Saint John was 'Humilissima Civitas Valletta' - The Most Humble City of Valletta or Citta' Umilissima in Italian. The bastions, curtains and ravelins along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches, led the ruling houses of Europe to give the city its nickname Superbissima - Most Proud. During the tour you will walk through the bustling streets and to Barracca Gardens for a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour. You will then visit St. John's Co-Cathedral where you will see the painting 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist' by Caravaggio, considered one of Caravaggio's masterpieces and the only painting signed by the painter. You will then watch the Malta Experience Show which will help you discover the Island and Malta's amazing history. Free time will be available for shopping!

An unforgettable experience of a unique Maltese folklore show and dinner, giving eager audiences a glimpse of Malta through the ages, as this tiny but significant Island of ours journeys from the prehistoric to present times… with special emphasis on one of the greatest chapters in Maltese history … the Knights of St. John and the Great Siege, when a small garrison of the famous Knights of St. John together with our heroic Maltese defenders managed to defeat the mighty Ottoman Empire. A talented cast of dancers and entertainers dressed in rich medieval costumes and shining armour together with our magnificent horses, will entertain, excite and amuse you during two hours of non-stop action, song and dance. Witness a colourful fusion of tribal music, folk dancing, carnival, fire dancers, knights on horseback, live battles and much more highlighting Maltese culture, traditions and folk.

"Ninjutsu evolved and developed as a way of life for the survival of a Japanese people culturally opposed to the ruling Samurai class of the day. With a traceable history of 1000 years the Ninja were most notable for their skills and activity during the Japanese Civil War periods of the l3th-l6th Centuries. All martial arts were stripped of warrior significance when peace came to Japan in 1868 (Meiji Restoration) but the teachings of Ninjustsu went underground and was brought to modern times by the 33rd Grandmaster, Toshitsugu Takamatsu. As the lore of the Ninja were passed down to the 34th Grandmaster, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi (Dr. Hatsumi is classed as a living treasure in Japan), Ninjutsu was made available to the Western World for the first time in the 1970's.It came to the U.K & Europe in 1983."

Are you looking for that unique gift for that special person in your life? Why not try one of our air experience flights, where the lucky recipient (or even yourself of course!) can take to the skies with a flying instructor, and get a chance to handle the controls of a modern microlight aircraft whilst enjoying beautiful scenic views of the Maltese islands from the air. Our aircraft are fitted with full dual controls and modern communication equipment to give the best interactive experience in flight. Choose between the Tecnam P92 Echo or (perhaps for the more adventurous types) the Apollo Delta Jet 2 flex-wing microlight. After safety, our priority is for you to enjoy the flight as much as possible. Whether you just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery or take part in the flight is entirely up to you. We will brief you on the aircraft's controls and instruments, and while your flying instructor will handle the take-off and landing and all radio communications, you will get a chance to practice some basic manoeuvres under his watchful eye. Just remember that microlight aircraft are currently limited to carrying two people only; this means we can take up just one passenger at a time. Have you ever dreamt of having a pilot's license, but always thought that it was too expensive or difficult? Microlight flying has made this dream a reality - no longer is flying restricted to the lucky few! The air experience flight counts towards your training towards your microlight NPPL (National Private Pilot License) should you decide to take it up seriously. Our flying instructors are qualified by the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and also by the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate of Transport Malta.

Casa Rocca Piccola contains over 50 rooms, the majority of which are open for viewing. Over the years we have opened new rooms to the tours and are continuing to do so. The World War II Air Raid Shelters have provided a dramatic and exciting addition to the tours of the house and we hope that in the newly opened Gallery local painters and artisans will exhibit their works. The value of Casa Rocca Piccola lies in its ability to provide unique historical evidence into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years. You can also see a collection of furniture, silver and paintings that add to the aesthetic riches of this country.

Are you looking for that unique gift for that special person in your life? Why not try one of our air experience flights, where the lucky recipient (or even yourself of course!) can take to the skies with a flying instructor, and get a chance to handle the controls of a modern microlight aircraft whilst enjoying beautiful scenic views of the Maltese islands from the air. Our aircraft are fitted with full dual controls and modern communication equipment to give the best interactive experience in flight. Choose between the Tecnam P92 Echo or (perhaps for the more adventurous types) the Apollo Delta Jet 2 flex-wing microlight. After safety, our priority is for you to enjoy the flight as much as possible. Whether you just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery or take part in the flight is entirely up to you. We will brief you on the aircraft's controls and instruments, and while your flying instructor will handle the take-off and landing and all radio communications, you will get a chance to practice some basic manoeuvres under his watchful eye. Just remember that microlight aircraft are currently limited to carrying two people only; this means we can take up just one passenger at a time. Have you ever dreamt of having a pilot's license, but always thought that it was too expensive or difficult? Microlight flying has made this dream a reality - no longer is flying restricted to the lucky few! The air experience flight counts towards your training towards your microlight NPPL (National Private Pilot License) should you decide to take it up seriously. Our flying instructors are qualified by the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and also by the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate of Transport Malta.

"Learn the ancient art of 'NINJITSU', 'KENJITSU' & 'JIUJITSU' in Malta.   NINJITSU - The art of the stealth warrior. KENJITSU - The art of the Japanese sword-fighting. JIUJITSU - The art of all Martial arts.   Learn these traditional Japanese Martial Arts infused with a natural approach to movement and combative response. The dojo's Sensei is Shihan Alfred GALEA (Master Teacher) - the only Shihan Sensei, 10th Dan to the Honbu (head Dojo) in Japan under Hatsumi Sensei in the island of Malta."

"Become a professional elite boxer in Malta - Train with one of the best local professional & licensed European boxers. Boxing - The sport were two people engage in a contest of strength, reflexes, and endurance by throwing punches with gloved hands. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of one- to three-minute intervals called rounds. The result is decided when an opponent is deemed incapable to continue by a referee, is disqualified for breaking a rule, resigns by throwing in a towel, or is pronounced the winner or loser based on the judges' scorecards at the end of the contest."

"Takagi Yoshin ryu compared to the other schools in the Bujinkan, has very few similarities, as do the other schools. The Dai Nihon Bugei Ryu Ha says that a series of techniques which were in the future years to become known as the Takagi Ryu, were put together by a wandering Toaist monk called Sounryu in 1569. He lived in Rikuzen Funagawa not far from Sanroku mountain. Takagi ryu techniques were made up from Taijutsu, Bojutsu, and Shuriken. The school passed on to Umannosuke Shigetada Takagi. Umannosuke started to study under Oriuemon in 1671 when he too was 16, adding many new techniques from the Jujutsu school Takauchi Ryu. He however taught the school as Takagi Ryu Dakentaijutsu, Bojutsu, Sojutsu, Naginatajutsu, and Senban Nage. In 1695 he was recognised by the Emperor as a high class martial artist. He died 26 April 1711. Gennoshin Higeshige was the son of Umannosuke and changed the name to Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu. He taught in Hyogo prefecture. Ohukuni Shigenobu was an expert in Kukishinden Ryu, he was invited to stay and teach his system to the Takagi Yoshin Ryu by Gennoshin. Gennoshin became ill and died on 2nd October 1746. He asked Ohkuni to continue the original teachings in the new way that they had created together. Ohkuni then renamed the school Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu. Characteristics Most famous in the Bujinkan as a "Bodyguard School" with fast and effective jujutsu techniques, and daishosabaki (jujutsu while wearing both swords in the belt). Other techniques are based around bojutsu. It has been mixed with sumo techniques, Takenouchi Ryu jujutsu and others. Takagi Yoshin Ryu has been handed down together with Kukishinden Ryu for generations. The Takagi Yoshin Ryu uses many techniques that appear similar to judo or aikido, but goes further in that when the techniques are applied it's made difficult for the opponent to escape by rolling or breakfalling. These are very close quarter techniques with the opponent held close - a result of the t

New experiences to be added on GREAT MALTA by the end of this week - Over 400 great experiences & personalised gifts to chose from for yourself, family & friends. www.greatmalta.com