Shoheijuku Newsletter November 2024

IAF Seminar

The quadrennial seminar hosted by IAF (International Aikido Federation) was held at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo from September 30 to October 6.  

I was in charge of teaching a one-hour class from 5 pm to 6 pm on Friday, October 4, and worked out a good sweat with approximately 600 people from all over the world. 

Osaka Shomonkai

On Saturday, October 12^th, the commemorating embukai for the 35^th anniversary of Osaka Shomonkai (Mr. Hiroki Takeda, Dojo Rep) was held at Hosenke Senri Gymnasium. It was lively with over 100 participants not only from Kansai but also from Kanto, Chubu, and Kyushu areas. 

The former representative of the dojo, Mr. Kenichi Okito came all the way from Taiwan for the celebration as well. The first representative of the dojo, Mr. Masatsugu Araki was also observing the event with a very happy looking face.

I wish a further prosperity of the dojo.     

Seinan-Kyudai Joint Embukai

On Saturday, October 26^th, the 52nd Seinan University – Kyushu University Joint Embukai was held at Seinan University Aikido Dojo. 

The Kyushu Student Alliance member schools and the six directly-managed dojos in Fukuoka performed support embus. 

The energetic and lively embus by the current students as well as the dignified and imposing embus by the alumni were worth watching.

I have been attending the embukai every year since I was 30 years old. I was especially impressed by the dignified embus performed by the alumni this time.