Produced by
Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
Subject of
Blair, John, American, 1943 - 2006
Taganashi, Ronald, American, died 1992
Date
September 11, 1968
Medium
acetate film and metal
Dimensions
Length (film): 190 Feet
Duration (digital file): 00:04:42
Description
B-roll film of a segment of "Episode 4" of Black Journal, the National Education Television (NET) television program.
It consists of a 16mm acetate film strip (2012.79.1.87.1a) with perforations running along one edge, frames in the middle and a bi-lateral optical sound track running along the right edge. The film opens with Karate Master John Blair leading a class. Blair himself is dressed in black karate gi, while the students are dressed in casual wear. At one point, Blair closes his eyes and recites, “I will know who I am. I will keep my mouth shut. I will practice every day. I will respect myself. I will respect other men.” The students repeat each sentence.
In another scene, which takes place in a blue room, Blair plays a guitar alongside a jazz band. Karate master Ronald Taganashi warms up by doing a kata choreography while the band plays in the background; the band improvises to Taganashi’s moves. Moments later, Blair joins Taganashi and both engage in kumite as the band improvises to their moves.
An original metal film canister (2012.79.1.87.1c) also accompanies the film strip. One side of the canister has two labels: the first has [NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION] printed on the top, and the second has [CHAMBA EDUCATIONAL FILMS] printed on it. The other side of the canister features a blue, beige, and white label, [CHAMBA EDUCATIONAL / FILM SERVICES] is printed on the top and below [“KARATE” / B. Roll / ControL] is handwritten in ink.
Place filmed
Harlem, New York, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Pearl Bowser Collection
Portfolio/Series
Black Journal
Classification
Media Arts-Film and Video
Type
sound films
color films (visual works)
16mm (photographic film size)
Topic
Film
Jazz (Music)
Journalism
Public television
Sports
Variety shows (Television)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
Object number
2012.79.1.87.1ac
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a6808a75-5248-4d7a-99fc-c80d5931186f

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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