The Academy 23 Events Page
Below is a listing of many the events that Academy 23 has sponsored, or does sponsor currently, in the area of Pittsburgh, PA. Many of these events are scheduled according to the amount of interest expressed by Academicians, while other events are planned and then advertised and promoted to generate the necessary attendance for us to consider them a success. A few Academy events are scheduled to begin soon in both Delaware and Iowa, so check back from time to time to see what's new.
The Arcanum Arcanorum, Upcoming Events
Go back to the Arcanum Arcanorum
As the collective mind of the Academy Golem, the Arcanum Arcanorum's pursuits are often highly significant to the other Pillars of Academy 23. Indeed, there are many Arcanologists that divide their time in the Academy between the highly studious demands of this group and their activities within another Pillar with a similar or related interest.
The Arcanum Thresholds exist to provide those who wish to spend their time learning about these topics an accessible social environment where they can do so with others. To register for any of the Thresholds you find below, simply contact the Arcanum Arcanorm from their home page. As with most Academy functions, once significant interest has been expressed for any particular topic or activity, a new group can be organized along the lines of those that are discribed below, or you may wish to jump right in to a currently active group within that Arcanum House.
Arcanum Arcanorum Thresholds
- (see each of Houses that comprise The A. A.)
Arcanum Arcanorum Gardens
- The Sub Rosa Social
Our monthly Tea party that allows Arcanologists from all Houses to mix, catch up and politly delve into Esoterica and related Mystae. R.S.V.P. to join us the first Wednesday of each month from 8:00 to whenever @ the HOuse of shaDows.
Go back to the House Divinus Homepage
- Religious Study Groups (various)
House Divinus is pleased to offer these scholarly, and sometimes not so scholarly, social forums for those who desire to engage in spiritual study or practice with any of the organizations listed below.
Visit this group's webpage
The Church of Zagreus Resurrected Thresholds
- The Egyptian Mysteries
Like all of our workshop worships, this time is largely spent studing the significance of the Osirian Myth as it relates to Dionysus, but other Egyptian Mysteries are of course touched upon from time to time at various degrees of depth.
- The Kabiric Mysteries
A demiurgic mythos that is perhaps one of the best kept secret teachings of the ancient world.
- The Dionysian Mysteries
Also called the Bacchanalian Mystery, this is a central and repeated study within our group.
- The Eleusinian Mysteries
These ancient festivals for the goddess of the underworld were held sacrosanct by many anciet greeks and drew heavily on the recurring mystery of the divine scattered into a sepulcher of flesh.
- The Orphic Mysteries
The literature and workings of this bacchanalian reformation are studied with an eye to its possibly cause and its effect on modern Christianity.
- The Hermetic Mysteries
The science of transforming Homo Sapiens into something greater holds great relevance for those of us seeking to fan the divine spark which lies within.
The Church of Zagreus Resurrected Gardens
Visit this groups's Webpage
Pillar of Smoke Thresholds
The Pillar of Smoke is pleased to announce our upcoming events, classes, and discussion groups for Spring, 2005. To apply for any of these classes, or to request more information, you can contact sara@academy23.org. Class websites will be added as they become available. If you register for an event or class before a time is scheduled, consideraton of your schedule will be made in scheduling, and if your needs cannot be met, any fees will be returned. Unless otherwise noted, all events are held in Pittsburgh. The fee for all events is $5, payable in advance or at the door unless otherwise noted. All classes except Merkavah Kabblah are available by corespondence, contact sara@academy23.org for more details.
- Introduction to the Kabbalah
This is our classic 10 session Kabbalah class, focusing on Luriatic and 4 worlds Kabbalah, as taught by S. L. Mastros. Pay for ten classes in advance, and save $10. (2 classes free!)
- The Seventh Telling
A discussion group focusing on the recent best-seller The Seventh Telling. Students will have been expected to read the book before the class begins. Purchase it form Amazon by clicking here Group will meet Sunday afternoons in various coffee shops around the city
- Kabbalah and Story Telling
This is a new class, covering most of the same material as our classic class, but told through story, myth, and dialog. Classic materials in a fresh new way. Students will be expected to write and/or tell stories of their own.
- Merkavah Kabbalah
This is the work of the Chariot; the real, powerful, mystical practice of Kabbalah begins (and some might say, ends) here. This class requires a previous Kabbalah experience or permission of the instructor, and a signed letter of intent, which includes a commitment to monotheism.
- Book Study: Oriental Magic by Idries Shah.
One chapter per week. Each chapter will include one lecture/discussion group, and one ritual working. Rituals will be scheduled astrologically, so times will vary. Ritual participation requires familiarity with general western magical practice. Chapters include: Jewish Magic, Solomon: Magician and King, The Occult in Babylonia, The Arabian Contribution, and Calling the Spirits. Other material may be covered if students so desire and time permits. Some rituals will be done with the Angels, Demons, and Djinn class.
- Angels, Demons, and Djinn
An open-format discussion group focusing on evocational and invocational work with Hebraic spirt-creatures. A Lab in the form of weekly ritual practice is also avaiable. Some rituals will be done jointly with the Oriental Magic book study group. Topics covered will include basic angel- and demonology, the Solomonic grimoires, the dark-mirror method of evocation, the invocation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and basic warding, summoning, banishing, and containment methods.
A basic familiarty with classical western magic is assumed.
- Crafting Ritual Tools
This class covers the construction of classical magicl tools for practice of Jewish, Solomonic, and Babylonian high magic. Robes/Tallit, Kiddush Cups, and mirrors will be covered, in addition to topics of expressed interest. Supplies must be provided by the student, or bought from the instructor; they are not included in the lecture fee.
- Bread Baking Ritual for Women
The baking of bread has been a powerful testament to the creative power of Woman since time immemorial, and in nearly every culture. The ritual should appeal to female magicians of any persuasion, though it is based in the Jewish tradition of baking Challah, and the Female Divine manifest in the form of Shekhinah, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Bread is life, home, and earth. The creation of bread is Creation itself. The baking of bread is a physical reminder of the great power of
Women to create, form, and nurture. Too frequently, in the cause of equality, women are asked to lose or ignore those things which distinguish us from men. The main purpose of
the ritual is to exmaine and strengthen the Woman within women.The ritual is open to all women, and girls old enough to safely handle kitchen equipment (knives, hot ovens, etc)
Pillar of Smoke Gardens
- Passover Seder, April 6th
- April 7th thru May 35th, Counting the Omer with the Fifty Gates of Enlightenment
A series of discussion groups, lectures, and rituals designed to steer one through the Fifty Gates of Enlightendment. Familiarity with Kabbalah, and basic magical practice is expected.
- Kabbalat Shaabat and Oneg Shabbat
Welcome the Sabbath with us in the glory of nature. Most Friday evenings, weather permitting, in various parks about Pittsburgh. Services are mainly in English, and appropriate for people of all levels of familiarty with Jewish prayer service. Each week will include traditional prayers and songs, a drum circle or dance, Torah reading in English, storytelling and divrei torah (discussion of the Troah passage presented), and food. Many weeks additional rituals are presented, mostly concernign the invocation of the Shekhinah. While the ritual is readily accessible to beginners, even the expereinced and learned will find they have somethign to teach, learn, share, or grow in. While these events, are, of course, free and open to everyone, we ask you to bring somethign to contribute, food, wine, etc.
Events are always being added, so please check in from time to time.
Go back to the Arcanum Arcanorum
House Exterra Thresholds
- Alien Mythology: Ancient and Modern
From the Ancient Annunuki of Sumer and the Nommos of the Dagon tribe, to the modern and near modern phenomenon of Grays, Saurians, Atlantians, and recent signs of a past civilization on Mars, the possibility of extraterrestrial life is more than just a possibility. Call to learn more or exchange information.
- Mutual U.F.O. Network Investigation and Training
House Exterra encourages those who are interested to take advantage of the resourses that this fine organization has made available to those interested in the study of extraterrestrials, and offers its investigative services to those who wish to report U.F.O.s and alien contact.
Go back to the Arcanum Arcanorum
House Literati Thresholds
- Library Science Workshop
coming soon
- Book Disscusion Groups
House Literati is always eager to facilitate the engineering of various literary spaces of any kind. If you would like to host a book club, suggest a book to be read by one of our current book disscusion groups, or just be placed on our mailing list for such events when they are offered, please contact this House. Literati members work with members from House Divinus and Philosophos, and the H. P. Lovecraft Society's Logos group, and other scholarly interests in order to promote the shared experience of the open page for as many people as possible.
House Literati Gardens
- The Arcanum Library
The Arcanum Library is almost ready to be on the road! Check back here often to find out when it will be arriving in a town near you.
Go back to the Arcanum Arcanorum
House Palladia Thresholds
- Urban Exploration
Join our intrepid Ubran Exploration Teams as they penetrate whatever areas within or around the city of Pittsburgh that we have yet to fully examine. Join us for the third event of the the summer, The Werewolf Hunt II, scheduled for July 30th, after dark of course.
House Palladia Gardens
- The Palladium
Although always searching for a new and better space to grace with the special title of "Palladium," this secret space is the current jewel of House Palladia's explorations, where its core members meet to both celebrate and conspire. New Explorers are usually taken to many other Gardens before they are led into this one.
Go back to the Arcanum Arcanorum
House Philosophos Thresholds
- Nietzsche without Pretension
Join us as we attempt to actually learn and understand the works of perhaps the most often dropped name in philosophy.
- The Platonic Realm
An irregular workshop of Plato's ideas, as well as the ideas of the Neo-platonics, designed to accommodate both the advanced and not-so-advanced student who desires to explore this important philosopher's work.
- Aristotle: The Master of Those Who Know
Explore the sadly neglected taxonomy of one of philosophy's most enlightening intellects.
- Kant for those who Can
Register today for the next meeting of those brave souls who wish to better understand Kant's seminal philosophical works.
- Whiteheadian Process Philosophy: New Every Moment
Meet with others to disscus the interesting theories of Panexperientialism developed by the contemporary philosopher Alfred North Whitehead.
- The Phenomenon of Edmund Husserl
Follow Husserl's work as he contributes to the development of phenomenology, a school that had a major influence on the existentialists.
- Wittgenstein... Word!
Explore the relation between language and the world with a man who has had a major influence on 20th-century philosophy.
- Charles Pierce
Study the American philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who cofounded pragmatism, made many contributions to logic, and was one of the original developers of semiotics.
- Kierkegaard without Fear or Trembling
Come and listen to readings of the almost poetic writtings of this talented Philosopher, followed by discussion and cookies.
- Intuiting Bergson
Come be inspired by the popular and accessible works of Nobel Prize winning French philosopher Herni Louis Bergson, as he stresses the importance of intuition as a means of attaining knowledge and the élan vital present in all living things.
Go back to the Arcanum Arcanorum
House Specere Thresholds
- Magick and Parapsychology
How much do you know about your potential? Contact us to examine current theories regarding synchronicity, neotic evolution and hypnotic reprogramming.
Go back to the Demiurge
Demiurge Thresholds
- Gabriel Division
There is no better workout than a physically demanding job, and often nothing more satisfying than the sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing a hard day's work. Why waste time in the gym when there are many positions available for those who would like to increase and maintain their physical health and wellbeing while at the same time earning a decent wage?
- Uriel Division
They say that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and so is time spent on the mind that could also be bringing in financial rewards as well. Let us help you find a way to put your creative or intellectual talents to work in places where you can simultaneously learn while you earn.
- Raphael Division
There are many opportunities for our clients to provide essential care and service to the young, the old, the sick or the needy. These, and other jobs which directly address the needs of others, can be very emotionally rewarding, and are well suited to those who derive their deepest satisfaction and motivation while helping those who need it most.
- Michael Division
For some people, money is the bottom line, and everything else is largely unimportant. Whether these great monetary ambitions are due to personal needs or to a hungry family, our goal is to help direct those who are seeking to obtain as much money as they can get towards those careers which will prove to be the most financially rewarding.
Demiurge Gardens
- The Garden
Sorry, this is a private function for members only.
Go back the Galileo Underground
Galileo Underground Thresholds
- (see each of the five fingers of the Galileo Underground below)
Galileo Underground Gardens
- The Galileo Garden
Once a month, the entire Society meets to celebrate the work that has been accomplished by each of the five fingers of the Underground. Sorry, this is a private function for members only.
Go back to the Galileo Underground
Curatus Thresholds
- Events
will be posted in April.
Curatus Gardens
- Events
will be posted in April.
Go back to the Galileo Underground
As stated on the Husker's Home Page, Husking remains the cornerstone of this Pillar. Yet that isn't all that we do. Below are a few of the activities organized by our members.
Neuronautical Husker's Society Thresholds
- Remote Viewer Research
The reality of extrasensory perception was long ago established by countless studies done in the scientific community. These studies indicate that a certain identifiable percentage of the population has a higher aptitude for developing psychic abilities than the average person, given the proper training. Testing and training is avalable by contacting meghan@academy23.org.
- Workshop: The Psychology of Speed
A research and development group whose work relates to the topic of optimal athletic speed training from a psychological perspective, based largely on some of the technics and theories gathered from Ted Wieman's book Warrior Speed, among other sources. Contact marty@academy23.org.
- Workshop: Neuro Linguistic Programing
This group meeting weekly to practice and study N.L.P.. Contact phil@academy23.org.
- Book Discussion Group
These groups meet to discuss various works that relate to the field of Psychology, either directly or indirectly. For information on upcoming discusions or to suggest a book, contact marvin@academy23.org.
Neuronautical Husker's Society Gardens
- Hemingway's Cafe
Located on Forbes Ave. in Oakland, Heminway's Cafe provides the perfect environment for the society dinners described on the main page. Contact sue@academy23.org for an invitation.
Go back to Galileo Underground
Spider Syndicate Thresholds
Spider Syndicate Gardens
Go back to Galileo Underground
Jack Parsons Labs Thresholds
Jack Parsons Labs Gardens
Go back to Galileo Underground
The Pythagoras Project Thresholds
The Pythagoras Project Gardens
Go back to the H. P. Lovecraft Society
H. P. Lovecraft Society Thresholds
- (see each of the five fingers of the H. P. Lovecaraft Society below)
H. P. Lovecraft Society Gardens
- The Lovecraft Garden
Once a month, the entire Society meets to celebrate the work that has been accomplished by each of the five fingers of the Society. Sorry, this is a private function for members only.
Go back to the Cinemosque
Film is a powerful device when consciously applied to one's own psyche. For that reason, the well-watched afficinados of the Cinemosque have promised to compile these filmographies to be used as the movie marathon educational events held for the inspiration of the other Pillars within the Academy.
Cinemosque Thresholds
- A Film Tribute to the Arcanum Arcanorum
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Church of Zagreus Resurrected
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Curatus
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Dionysian Garden
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Elemental Ministries
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Galileo Underground
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the H. P. Lovecraft Society
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to Logos
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to Ludus Mundi
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Neuronautical Husker's Society
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Pillar of Smoke
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the Pillar of Tyr
Coming Soon
- A Film Tribute to the White Belt Society
Coming Soon
Cinemosque Gardens
- Private Film Festivals
Those Cinemosque members who are properly equipped have been known to gratiously open their homes or theaters to the private use of our people for the viewing of various visual media. Invitations are sent out to members only, so apply for membership today!
Logos, Upcoming Events
Go back to H. P. Lovecraft Society
Logos Thresholds
- General Fiction Writing Group
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- Academic Non-Fiction Writing Group
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- Jornalism and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Group
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- Fantasy, Sci-fi and Horror Writing Group
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- Writting for Therapy Writing Group
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- Romance and Erotica Writing Group
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- Poetry Writing Group
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Logos Gardens
- Talkanalia
Come join the fun each and every friday night as the Pittsburgh Outcast Poets host a party providing everybody and anybody lots of opportunity to step up to the microphone and make love to the spoken word. Contact Tim Williams for directions.
Rupa, Upcoming Events
Go back to the H. P. Lovecraft Society
Rupa Thresholds
Rupa Gardens
Go back to the H. P. Lovecraft Society
Ludus Mundi Thresholds
- Vampire: The Masquerade
Join us for this exciting theatrical immergence into a secret society of immortal predators, with a wide variety of character classes to choose from, each representative of a power achetype based in some deep rooted mortal fear, this game is your opportunity to play at possessing dominion without limits in a time without end. Also running Dark Age and Victorian games by request. Open to non-members upon approval.
- Mage: The Ascension
Battle the encroaching forces of potential maddness, technocratic control and diabolical corruption as you learn to play at becoming an adept from one of the many ancient or modern traditions of Will working mages in this current day fantasy game of pardigm and wonder. Open to non-members upon approval.
- World of Darkness Mixed Venue
Vampires, Werewolves, Fae, Wraiths, Mummies, Shapeshifters, Spellcasters and more all come together in these regular multi venue cronicals.
- Dungeons and Dragons
Classic d20 table-top as only the fantasy world of Faerun can deliver. Open to non-members upon approval.
- I Games
Play yourself in a world that is not quite how it appears. Open to non-members upon approval.
- Ludus Rex
Aspire to Become more in a world very much like this one, with only a few more or less rules to help you along.
- Academy 23: The Initiation
Join us as we play the game inspired by the actual Academy 23. Very informative.
Ludus Mundi Gardens
- The Ludus Hortus
Ludus Mundi host regular in-character parties for soft role play and theatical fantasy. Invitation only.
Go back to the H. P. Lovecraft Society
Thaumater Thresholds
To be kept up to date on all Ritual Theater performances in the city of Pittsburgh, register today.
- Alchemus
Our esteemed Outer Dean presents this theatrical working designed to capture and deliver the deepest desire of those who participate. To request a seat at the next performance, simple mail this request form to our account here at the Academy, or to the address currently listed on the form.
- The Djinn in the Tuperware Party
Produced by Aceldama Acquisitions
Inspired by the great American tradition of home sales ranging from vacuum cleaners to sex toys, Guerilla Culture, in collaboration with Aceldama Industries, is proud to present this home show of their special spectral products. Our people will do their best to sell you a wide variety of captured wraiths, fairies, angels and djinn, with many intesting stories to tell along the way.
- Ghost Boxing
Across the city of Pittsburgh, our street shamans will be evoking and battling with the ill forces of the urban landscape, to the amusement and benefit of all.
- The Guerilla Culture Troop
Our fearless troop of seasoned field performers have cast themselves all across your city. You could let them find you by chance, or bravely go looking for them.
Thaumater Gardens
- The Thaumater at the Eagle's Nest
Members of the Guerilla Culture Troop, as well as allied friends and buskers, will be meeting again throughout the summer up in the Eagle’s Nest. Sorry, invitation only.
Totem, Upcoming Events
Go back to the Totem
Totem Thresholds
- (see the jewels of this Pillar, and their Thresholds, below.)
Totem Gardens
- The First Curtain Meetings
Called as necessary. Invitation only
Go back to the Pillar of Tyr
For information regarding any of our Thresholds or Gardens contact The Pillar of Tyr directly.
Pillar of Tyr Thresholds
- Trial and/or Incarceration
Have you ever been arrested? If not you may be woefully unaware of what the inside of our legal system looks like these days. To get arrested, simply contact thePolice@theSceneofaCrime.com and say "I did it." Although this sort of education can NOT really be duplicated any other way, Tyr now offers those who actually wish to understand the harsh realities of criminal justice a less painful alternative to the one above. Register today for our guided tour of the Allegheny County Jail, and the ajoining City Court House. Although limited spaces are available, this Threshold is repeated regularly as interest dictates.
- Crimes Code Study Group
This is the little black book that everything rests on. These are the laws that one must know in the language that one must speak if one hopes to find justice without, and sometimes even with, lots and lots of money. Contact The Pillar of Tyr directly for more information on when we meet.
- Courtroom Field Trips
Have you ever witnessed a trial in real life? It's free and there are usually plenty of seats. At least once a month, Tyr members meet downtown for our lunch recess, which is held either immediately before or immediately after we all sit in on a trail or two at the City Court House.
Pillar of Tyr Gardens
- The Lunch Recess
These dinners are held in resturants and homes throughout the Pittsburgh area to discuss the law and current events relevant to the justice system. These are sometimes sheduled in conjunction with a Courtroom Field Trip.
Go back to the White Belt Society
All of the Threshholds and Gardens of the White Belt Society draw heavily on what we refer to as the Agon Games. Each of these games is designed to test skills related to the martial arts, such as dexterity, stamina, balance, speed, strength, etc. These competitions are intended to encourage and display
the intense training undertaken by members of the White Belt Society, and to enliven the atmosphere of White Belt Gardens. For all officiated events, an entry fee is paid by each competitor to generate the Aeoni prizes rewarded to first and second place. Points are awarded for various competitive achievements, and society status is held based on one’s Agonian Record. With the exeption of Tournament fights, and the often observed custom of Certamain, which of course both occur at each individual member's discretion, all Threshold events listed bellow are offered monthly. Contact The White Belt Society for all event times and locations.
White Belt Society Thresholds
Upcoming Agon Games!!!
- Certamain
This game is the cornerstone of the
White Belt Society. It is a custom linked to the white belts that are worn by our members while participating in Agonian Games of any sort. Therefor, White Belts open themselves to the play of this game any time they wear their belts in
public, although it can of course be played without such formalities being observed. Generally however, wearing your white belt means that you must accept the challenge of Certamain from anyone
that knows and understands the rules of this game, regardless of whether the
challenger is a member of the White Belt Society or not.
Certamain is a point sparring
game designed for single combat only where each round of fighting continues
until a point is scored by either side, at which time both opponents must stop,
move away from each other, and bow before beginning the next round. A point is awarded
for each blow that connects to your opponent’s head or torso, or for a full
body takedown. For scoring purposes, points scored simultaneously cancel each other
out, although the opponents still break and bow as usual. Also the force of the blow
is much less important than its precision, as to discourage unnecessary brutality
and injury.
Players are encouraged to find a reasonable area for their fight.
The challenger can call a Certamain challenge for up to 23 points, but players may
refuse any challenge over 5 points without forfeit. The first to reach the
agreed upon number wins. A player can only be challenged by the same person
once per day, but there is no other limit to the number of challenges which the
player must either accept or forfeit. A player is in the game until she removes
her belt, but removing the belt to avoid a challenge is considered a forfeit to
the challenger. Game results are reported to the Incense Master on the honor of
the players.
- Tournament Fights
The White Belt Society provides
fighters so inclined with legally sanctioned ring time whenever possible, at both
public and private events hosted by legitimate fight promoters, our own or otherwise.
These count for points in the Agon games as long as the fighter wears his or
her white belt into the ring.
- The Agonian Stand Off
This game is an endurance and
balance test designed for two or more White Belts. There are a few variations
on this game. Typically, competitors must assume and maintain a martial stance
either on or above the ground for as long as possible. A Judge is present to
penalize players ten seconds each time they fail to maintain the proper posture,
and completely breaking out of your stance for any reason stops your clock. The
longest time wins.
- The Agonian Toss Off
Take an Archery tournament, permit the
entry of almost all forms of ranged weapons, and you have the Agonian Toss Off.
Each competitor tests their weapons accuracy in five rounds of competition at
five different distances. Arrows vs. spears vs. spikes vs. knives vs. axes vs.
stars vs. darts vs. blowguns vs. razor sharp playing cards vs. spiked baseballs
vs. whatever else the judge allows. The only two restrictions are that firearms
are prohibited, and your weapon must be able to penetrate the target to score
points.
- The Agonian Long Fisted Duel
Many different padded weapons are on hand for this event, with both a tournament of single combat, and a battle royal.
- The Agonian Takedown
A game of armless sparring played with standard Certamain rules, except that points are awarded for takedowns only. Methods for playing this game vary.
- The Agon 5k
Each week members gather in various groups to train for the Agon 5k, with is held once each month throughout the spring and the summer, and well into fall. To join one of the running groups as they train, contact brandon@academy23.org,
White Belt Society Gardens
- Festival of Kwan Yu
This yearly celebration is held in observance of the chinese god of war, a figure often honored by both the Triads and the chinese police depatments! Movies, Games, Prizes and Awards are enjoyed by members throughout the night and a very good time is had by all. When and where is this held? Ask a member.
- War Parties
All members at anytime may choose to host their own private party for their fellow Society members. Simply contact wu@academy23.org with the details.Next War Party on 7-29-2005.