Shoheijuku Newsletter May 2024

Kumamoto Dojo

On Sunday, April 14^th, the seminar and Dan/Kyu examination for Kumamoto Dojo (Mr. Koichi Honda, Dojo Rep) were held at Kumamoto Budokan. People from other dojos within the prefecture and from Omuta Dojo joined us. As it was a well-attended, lively seminar with a friendly atmosphere, I came back with a great feeling.         

Yoga & Zaenkai

On Sunday, April 21^st, we had a Yoga & Zazenkai session at Shoheijuku Hombu Dojo. Twelve people participated.

As I was not fully recovered yet, we softened our whole body with Yoga exercises first and then sat for about 30 minutes.

After the session, we enjoyed chatting as having Japanese tea.

I have heard that controlling body, breath, and mind is important in Zen. I think that is important for Aikido as well.

The 35^th Embukai

~ Concluded with great success ~

On May 3^rd (a statutory holiday), the 35^th Shoheijuku Embukai was held at Fukuoka Budokan under a beautiful May weather.

The event commenced at 11 AM with the opening remarks by Takato Kanado, the chairman of the event organization committee, and we offered a silent prayer to the founder, Morihei Ueshiba Sensei and the second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei. The embus started after that.

The first half started with a children’s embu and it was followed by seniors’ embus, and “Hana-no-Aikido”. From overseas, Shoheijuku Aikido Canada, Vancouver Shomonkai, and Jikishin Dojo from China performed their embus.