The graceful, flowing movements of Japanese classical dance tell an ancient story. One elegant gesture follows another as the meaning of the dance unfolds slowly, like the opening of a flower.

"I perform classical dance because I love learning about my cultural heritage and to honor the memory of those who have gone before," said Alyssa Kitchens, 23, whose maternal grandparents were placed in internment camps during World War II.

Kitchens, who grew up in Camarillo and is a senior at CSU Fullerton, was part of the classical dance ensemble that performed Saturday at the Oxnard Buddhist Temple during its 53rd annual Obon Festival, the most important festival of the Japanese Buddhist calendar year. The event drew hundreds of visitors in a daylong celebration that featured classical dance, judo and karate demonstrations, bonsai exhibits and Japanese food.

Similar to the Catholic tradition of All Souls' Day and the Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, the Obon Festival, which is also called "A Gathering of Joy," is celebrated around the world, said the Rev. Katsumi Uyeda of the Oxnard Buddhist temple.

"We honor our ancestors and acknowledge our gratitude for the contribution they made to our lives," Uyeda said. "We also celebrate life and the sacred connection of all living beings."

The Obon Festival is a spiritual and cultural tradition that dates back to the historical Buddha about 2,500 years ago, said Seiko Tamura, president of the temple board. "Legend says that one of the Buddha's most devoted disciples, Moggallana, saw his deceased mother in a vision, suffering in the after-death state, and he wanted to help her," Tamura said.

To relieve his mother's despair, the Buddha told Moggallana to prepare food for his fellow monks and to offer it on her behalf. He provided the offering on an obon, or tray. Later, in a second vision, he saw that his mother was freed from her suffering, so he grabbed an obon and began to dance with joy. "That's how the tradition began," said Tamura, who lives in Oxnard.

"The Obon festival is a way to commemorate with joy those who have passed away, to share our culture with the public, and to gather together as family," said Gladys Kohatsu of Oxnard, whose husband died a year ago.

For many of Saturday's visitors, the judo and karate demonstrations were the big attraction.

"I come every year to watch judo. I think it's very special to watch them move and challenge each other. You never know what's going to happen," said Blade Brown of Oxnard.

Judo instructor Ben Holmes said the festival is a great way to demonstrate the hidden meaning behind martial arts.

"Judo means the gentle way'; it looks violent, but it's just the opposite. When done properly, it's effortless," Holmes said. He said age, gender and size are not necessarily obstacles to overcoming an opponent if the proper technique is mastered.

"There are no bullies in judo. No matter how good you are, there is always someone better — I've seen kids beat adults twice their size and age." The key, he said, is discipline and self-control.

"This is a wonderful thing to do with the family," said Kathy Blake of Oak View.

I love the bonsai exhibit — it's absolutely beautiful the way they create this art form," Blake said.

"Two of the bonsai trees on display are over a hundred years old. You don't have to be a Buddhist to enjoy Japanese culture," said Gene Cherry, a resident of Ventura and president of the Oxnard Bonsai Club.

"These traditions on display today are old and wise — a gift to all of us."