Japan’s Hatsumi Will Highlight Burbank Martial-Arts Event

Martial-arts amateurs and experts will attend an event at the Equestrian Center in Burbank from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday. It’s the fifth annual Martial Arts Convention and Trade Show, sponsored by the Warrior Information Network.

The show will feature live performances and demonstrations of all types of self-defense skills from Japan, Korea, Okinawa and China. Local martial arts schools will take part in the program.

A special highlight will be the appearance of Masaaki Hatsumi of Japan between 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. He will give a demonstration of his techniques with 17 of his best students.

Hatsumi, a grand master of Togakure-ryu ninpo , is well-known in Japan as a teacher, author and television star. He also serves as technical adviser on movies featuring the art of self-defense.

Hatsumi will be joined by Stephen K. Hayes, American martial- arts expert, actor and writer who may be most familiar to American audiences for his role alongside Richard Chamberlain in the TV movie production of James Clavell’s “Shogun.”

Also appearing are noted American practitioners of ninjutsu Bud Malstrom and Jack Hoban, a former Marine hand-to-hand combat instructor. Israeli Doron Navon, a former Hatsumi student, will also participate.

The Equestrian Center is at 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Admission is $4.50; children younger than 12, free. Information: (213) 650-8767 or (209) 462-8125.