Affiliate Programs

Organizations affiliate with the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temples (TSDBT) to offer training and education in Japanese art and culture at the Temple. Each organization operates independently. TSDBT is pleased to host these organizations to offer you a variety of opportunities to explore Japanese American culture. All organizations meet at the Denver Buddhist Temple, 1947 Lawrence Street.
 

Aikido

Aikido, literally translated: the way to be in harmony with one's spirit, is a self-defensive martial art that uses balance, timing and agility to redirect and neutralize an attack. We practice Tomiki or a sports style of Aikido.

Meeting place: Temple Gym Meeting times: Monday and Thursday 6:00-7:30 p.m.; Fridays (Family Class) 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Contact: Sensei Ron Abo (5th dan) 720-236-7977 or ron@theabogroup.com

Buddhist Womens Association

The Buddhist Women's Association assists with various Temple-related activities ranging from cooking fundraisers to nursing and homebound visits and funeral receptions.  

Craft Class

This group meets monthly to promote Japanese culture through hand crafts. Anyone interested in Japanese hand crafts is welcome. The group has a different project each month. Cost is $5 plus cost of supplies. Please call in advance to confirm date and time.

Meeting place: Temple Auditorium
Meeting Times: 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. - noon.
Contact: Ms. JoAnne Adair, 303-333-8155

Denver Bonsai Club

Everyone is welcome to join the Denver Bonsai Club, a group of folks practicing the ancient art of growing miniature trees and plants. President Tom Taggart guides the club in passing on the Japanese people's love of nature. Annual individual dues are $15. For more information contact Frank Miyazawa.

Meeting place: Temple Auditorium Meeting times: 1st Sunday of each month 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Contacts: Frank Miyazawa 303-237-8641 Ralph Tanoue 303-330-7516 Bill Huffen 303-283-8982

Denver Taiko

Denver Taiko, founded in 1976, is an ensemble of third, fourth and fifth generation Japanese Americans honoring Japanese cultural heritage through the exhilarating performance art of taiko drumming. Go to their website to learn about scheduling a performance, listening to a practice session or taking lessons. Meeting place: Temple Basement

Meeting times: Tuesdays/Sundays

Junior Denver Taiko

Junior Denver Taiko Group shares this same tradition with the younger generation of Japanese Americans. Some of the older kids join Denver Taiko after training with the Junior group. Junior Denver Taiko spans ages 8 to 18 with three groups that practice every Sunday after services at the Denver Buddhist Temple.

Meeting place: Temple Basement Meeting times: Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Ms. Aiko Kimura, 303-465-0083 (h) or info@denvertaiko.org

Judo

Judo or the “The Gentle Way” is a martial art developed in the late 1800s by Professor Jigoro Kano and has its roots in the ancient art of the Samurai, Jujutsu.  Judo emphasizes the use of leverage rather than the use of strength to overcome an attack.  It is a grappling discipline emphasizing the use of throws, pins, strangulations and joint locks.  It is practiced worldwide and has been an Olympic sport since 1964.  The Denver Buddhist Temple Judo Dojo began teaching The Gentle Way in 1953.  Back then it was known as the Denver School of Judo and was the first Judo school in Denver.  People from all walks of life enjoy Judo for recreation, physical fitness, competition and self-defense.   Join us!

Who: Males and Females, Age 5 years and older can participate in Judo

When: Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Where: Denver Buddhist Temple Gym, 1947 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202. Enter gym from the catwalk on the second level of the parking garage on Larimer St.

How Much: $30 / Month. Add $10 for each additional member from the same household.

For More Information contact:

Sensei Thom Sakata, Cell: 303-518-4639

Email: dbtjudo@comcast.net

Sensei Brian Levitt, Cell: 303-638-7419

Email: sensei471@comcast.net

Website: www.dbtjudo.com

Kayo Club

This group of Japanese American senior citizens meets to sing and practice Karaoke. They welcome anyone interested in singing Japanese songs with them. The club hosts a monthly dinner for members.

Meeting place: Temple Upstairs Meeting Room

Meeting times: Tuesdays 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Member reception 3rd Friday of each month 6;00-10:00 p.m.

Contact: Ms. Eiichi Tsukiji, 303-989-8466

Minyo Club

Adults of all ages practice traditional Japanese folk dances. Every dance means something different and every dance has a story to tell. Minyo dancers lead community dances annually at the Cherry Blossom Festival. Contact Donna Noguchi for practice times and how to join or find them on Facebook.

Meeting place: Temple basement

Meeting times: Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Contact: Donna Noguchi, 303-452-1030 or dnnoguchi@msn.com

Ohara School of Ikebana

Come and learn the wonderful Japanese art of ikebana (flower arranging). Classes are taught by Akiko Buckmaster, Master Instructor. Contact Denise to attend the class for more information.

Meeting place: Temple Basement Meeting times: Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Contact: Denise Pimple, 720-301-7592 or denisepimple@mac.com.

Volleyball

Adults gather to play volleyball and enjoy life. To join or confirm a session, contact Ms. Lorraine Hisamoto.

Meeting place: Temple Gym

Meeting times: Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Contact: Ms. Lorraine Hisamoto, lohisamoto@hotmail.com