Affiliated & Temple Organizations

Training Schedule: Mon and Wed 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Our dojo the Nishi-Aikido Ohana, is a small club, training in a thoughtful, friendly, environment, dedicated to the study of Aikido. Aikido at the Nishi-Aikido Ohana is practiced in a joyful, supportive, non-competitive environment. We believe that by training to joyfully blend with aggression towards us on the mat, we will learn to meet the challenges of life with a positive, non-combative spirit.

Judo is taught to help give a person discipline for their body and mind. It builds confidence and self esteem. Judo is an individual sport, but at Nishi, the students are taught that they cannot succeed without the help of many, directly and indirectly. Competition judo is also taught. The students compete at many levels; local, state and nationally. Some of the black belts that teach the classes referee at competition at various levels.

The Nishi Judo club was established in 1963 and meets weekly on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Kaikan at Los Angeles Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. An Annual Surf and Turf Fundraising Dinner is also hosted by the Nishi Judo Club.

Participating in the Japanese Optimist League (JAO) the girls and women's SCWNAU (Southern California Women's Nisei Athletic Union) basketball teams compete nearly year round...from winter leagues to numerous summer tournaments. The Wanjettes host their Annual Basketball Tournament in April.

The Adult Buddhist Association (ABA) was established to provide adults with a forum to share the teachings of the Buddha Dharma, as well as to provide fellowship within the membership through religious and social activities.

 ABA’s activities include trips to places of interest, and get-togethers with other ABA organizations. The members of ABA support the Betsuin with its annual fundraising events and participate in various conferences and seminars.

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Dharma School classes for children and youth (nursery school through college ages) are normally held Sunday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. during the months of September through June. Classes are taught by volunteer teachers, under guidance by the ministerial staff, and cover subjects including Temple etiquette, history of Buddhism, and Buddhist teachings.

Dharma School Parents is an association of parents of the Dharma School students. Its purpose is to promote Jodo Shinshu through participation in and support of the Dharma School program and other Temple activities.

The Dharma School Parents was established in 1947, under the name “Ijikai”, which means “organization to provide support”. The first fundraising efforts of the parents were the Temple Picnic and the Oseibo program. These events made it possible for the Dharma School to become financially independent and are still being held as annual events.

In 1962, the name of the organization was changed to Sunday School Fubokai and the meetings started to be conducted in English. Prior to this the meetings were conducted entirely in Japanese. 

The Dharma School Parents supports various youth activities including the Sangha Teens and Junior YBA. The Dharma School Parents also supports other Temple fundraisers such as the annual Obon Carnival and Surf and Turf Dinner Sale. The Dharma School Parents welcomes all Temple members, especially those with Dharma School students.

The Nishi Hongwanji Los Angeles Betsuin has been serving Southern California since 1905. It  belongs to the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, one of the largest denominations of the Pure Land stream of Mahayana Buddhism. As a Betsuin, our temple is a direct branch of Nishi Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan. It is also one of 62 temples affiliated with Nishi Hongwanji in the mainland United States.

The Dharma School teachers plan and conduct Dharma School classes during the school year (Sept. to June). In addition, as an affiliated organization, the teachers are active in supporting Temple activities which include:

• Decorating the Hanamido for Hanamatsuri Service
• Helping the BEC with Ohigan Seminars
• Chairing the Hatsumairi Service, held in May with the Gotanye Service
• Participating in the Obon carnival
• Leading the Obon Odori and Obon Odori practice sessions
• Organizing Oseibo Taikai
• Participating in the Yakisoba fund raiser

The Dharma School teachers meet on the second Sunday of each month and participate in Buddhist study classes with the ministerial staff. The teachers are also members of the Southern District Dharma School Teachers Association and participate in seminars and conferences.

The Nishi Jr. Young Buddhist Association is a member of Southern District and provides youths between ages 15 -20 years of age, and grades 9 – 13, to learn the teachings of the Buddha Dharma and participate in activities with Jr. YBA groups from other temples. These activities include conferences, Buddhist seminars, leadership retreats, jam sessions, volleyball, and basketball. 

The Nishi Jr. YBA participates in the Nishi temple activities such as chairing services, garden cleanup, and temple picnics.

The Buddhist Women's Association was first organized in 1918 by thirteen Temple members. It is a member of the Southern District Buddhist Women’s Association (WBA) and the BCA Federation of BWA. The purpose of the Fujinkai is to support the Temple programs, promote and spread the development of the Buddha Dharma in a spirit of mutual friendship and cooperation, and cultivate faith and live according to the teachings of Jodo Shinshu.

The Fujinkai participates in the annual Obon services and festival, assists and prepares meals at special services, participates in conferences and workshops, participates in Temple fund raisers and helps at the Temple clean-up. 

 The Fujinkai welcomes new members. Please call the Temple for membership information.