By Elizabeth Ladzinski
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
EAST HARLEM — Bearing a 450-year-old sword, Kendo master Shozo Kato displayed his lightning-quick moves in the art of full-contact Japanese fencing at the Museum of the City of New York on Thursday.
Dressed in traditional armor, Kato battled four of his best pupils to the applause of a group of students from Xavier high school.
The demonstration occurred in conjunction with "Samurai in New York: The First Japanese Delegation" exhibit at the museum, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Japan's first diplomatic visit to the US.
"It literally was a way of celebrating the samurai sword exhibit," said Michael Manning, a Kendo instructor and one of Kato's students.
Noriyo Onishi, 15, came to see someone other than the master, though.
"I came to see my brother. He does Kendo, and I'm so proud of him."
The exhibit displays photographs and newspaper clippings as well as a 151-year-old samurai sword that was presented by the ambassadors to their american host.
Kato sensei is now the highest-ranked Kendo master in the US, as he recently passed the legendarily difficult exam for eighth-dan, the highest grade he can receive. He's only the third person outside of Japan to receive this grade.
The museum has more samurai-themed events planned. The Samurai Sword Soul theater company will perform sword fighting, comedy routines and drama set to music on Saturday, July 17 at 2 p.m.
In case you missed today's demonstration, Kato will be back again on Wednesday, July 21 at 6 p.m. performing on the Museum's terrace.
“Samurai in New York” at the Museum of the City of New York runs through October 11. The museum is located at 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street.
