Sunday, June 26, 2022

The week that was: Nairobi Aikikai First Seminar of 2022

 

Nairobi Aikikai visiting guests from Zanzibar Aikikai and Sensei Andi Schriber from Ikeda Dojo, Zurich.

It's not everyday Aikidokas from three different countries gather on the tatami for a week of budo magic, but this is what happened between the 15th and 19th of June in Nairobi. We were once again pleased to host our Sensei, Andi Schriber (5th Dan Ikeda Dojo, Zurich) who as usual shared his wisdom, laughter and budo knowledge during an exhilarating seminar. What made this seminar even more exciting was the presence of 4 Aikidokas from Zanzibar who made the long cross border trip to share the tatami with us. 

Promotional poster for the week long seminar June 2022

Primarily held at our current training space at YMCA central and partly in Rongai, the seminar was the most robust one that Nairobi Aikikai has has since the pandemic. It was full of vibrant energy, enthusiasm and rekindled the sense of community we pride ourselves in. 

As always, it was not all budo and breakfalls but a little leisure too. On Saturday evening, the group indulged in a fun and engaging barbecue meet up where food and bad jokes were shared. 

Barbecue fun after a day of budo. Rongai 18th June 2022

The last day of the seminar was particularly a treat because it combined tatami action with exams. On this day Nairobi Aikikai gained one new black belt as Walter Mukiri successfully passed his 1st Dan exam and a new 5th Kyu after Francis (aka Hazard) also passed his assessment under the guidance of Sensei Andi.

Proud moment as Walter Mukiri (1st Dan) receives his black belt.

Nairobi Aikikai now not only boasts two home grown 1st Dans (Walter and club chairman Joshua) but also prides itself in growing a community of Aikidokas who are sharing and growing in the art.

As we continue to train and look forward to another seminar later in the year, we are equally grateful to Sensei Andi for always showing up and Zanzibar Aikidokas for bringing their energy and flow across the border to Nairobi. 

Now, onto the next one.

Budo!

Sensei Andi Schriber 5th Dan with Nairobi and Zanzibar Aikikai team. 18th June at St. Mary's Catholic Church Rongai