Snapshots from Zanzibar- 3rd International Aikido Seminar

Snapshots from Zanzibar

The art of peace spread its reach to Zanzibar for the third year running during the 3^rd international Aikido seminar that saw young and older practitioners of the art come together for three days of sharing, training and even a bit of fun outside the dojo.

Respected 4^th, 5^th and 6^th Dan Senseis from all over the world shared their wonderful tips and training with the group.

The seminar, which took place from 8^th-10^th February at the International School of Zanzibar and the Zanzibar Budokan consisted of two intense but valuable sessions daily where wrists were flung and lessons learned. The team had a mixture of the young, and the young at heart. Several nationalities were represented and this is a true testament to the power of community within shared practice.

Our hosts were ever so gracious and though the practice of Aikido in Zanzibar is young, the team also had formidable experience in Karate and Judo; this of course created a chance to learn and borrow from one another. February 8th started with a Karate and Aikido demonstration at the International school of Zanzibar (ISZ) that peaked the interest of several soon to be Aikidokas. This, tied in with an anti-bullying message spoke to the true heart of Aikido to transform aggression and peacefully resolve conflict.

Of particular importance was the presence of the Ministry of youth, culture, arts and sports of the revolutionary government of Zanzibar at the seminar on the 9^th of February. This was a clear show of the island government’s support of the growing art which extended to a press mention as well in the local dailies.

Nairobi Aikikai was proud to have a team of 5 to represent the club. Joshua, Leah, Wangari and Kalevera along with Nairobi Aikikai’s Canadian friend, aspen. It was a pleasure to have such a sizeable representation but definitely looking forward to an even bigger team for the 2020 seminar.

Sharing sessions such as this seminar always provide an opportunity for students and teachers to experience different teaching techniques, execution and a chance to refine the details of the practice. Every teacher brought their own experience and relationship with Aikido to the mat and we were all honoured to be a part of that. From the buzzing energy of Sensei Andy and his killer warmups, the precision of Sensei Marianne, the ease of Sensei Hansruedi’s Iriminage, the pleasurable pain of Sensei Klaus’ lesson on Sankyo (my wrist still feels that) and the skill of Sensei Andi’s every move, it was a seminar to remember. With over 30 people attending the seminar on different days, we can only prepare for bigger and better in subsequent years.

The final day of the seminar included grading exams for several students, all who passed and Nairobi Aikikai was pleased to usher two of her members into their new Kyu;

Joshua Muthii (Chairperson-Nairobi Aikikai) – 2^nd Kyu

Imungu Kalevera – 5^th kyu

Aside from hard training in coastal temperatures, the seminar also had light moments of sharing outside the dojo. We were honored by the hospitality of our hosts which included a dinner at the CCM social hall hosted by the Chairman of the Zanzibar judo association, Mr Tsuyoshi Shimaoka which filled our bellies and our hearts. The night of the 10^th also saw the visiting Senseis and Nairobi Aikikai members have a beautiful dinner at The Rock in Pingwe, Zanzibar to crown the 3 days experience. It goes without saying that there were a few beach visits as well and the ocean water healed our aching muscles.

But this is not the end, September brings another opportunity for training and sharing in Zurich during the golden jubilee of Swiss Aikikai, another one not to miss, so get your passports and tickets ready.

Nairobi Aikikai as a whole is thankful to our hosts in Zanzibar, team led by Vadim of the ISZ, the Ministry, Mr. Shimaoka, Senseis Hansruedi, Andi, Marianne, Andy Raudies, Klaus, Andreas Weber as well as Sabine Walker and aspen apGaia. We look forward to an even more thrilling 4^th international seminar in 2020 and the promise to bring better practice and more people to the mat.

Budo!