BUDO MOMENTS: NAIROBI AIKIKAI END YEAR SEMINAR 2019 2nd-3rd NOVEMBER

"Fill yourself with Ki, invite the attack."

-Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei.  

 

Sensei Andi with members of Nairobi Aikikai and Judoka comrades in Rongai for the Nairobi Aikikai end year seminar 2nd Nov 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church Rongai.

The Nairobi Aikikai family came together once again on the tatami for the final seminar of the year, rounding out a year of great Aikido practice. The seminar, running through 2nd (Saturday) -3rd (Sunday) November at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rongai and YMCA studio respectively brought together not only members of Nairobi Aikikai but members of the Judo community in Rongai who shared in our training and as always, our dedicated Sensei Andi was there to join and teach us. 


The first day of the seminar (2nd November) kicked off to a powerful start with good spirits. The morning session, led by Nairobi Aikikai chair, Joshua took us back to basics, first a killer warm up and then exploring and revisiting the five principles arms of Aikido;

• Aikido Ikkyo – First Teaching (Elbow Control)
• Aikido Nikyo – Second Teaching (Wrist Control)
• Aikido Sankyo – Third Teaching (Wrist Control)
• Aikido Yonkyo – Fourth Teaching (Wrist Control & Pressure Point)
• Aikido Gokyo – Fifth Teaching (Elbow Control)

This first session provided an opportunity to the Judokas to familiarize themselves with the basics of Aikido and also for other Aikidokas to remember the foundations of our art. 

Andi Sensei, Joshua and Rongai Judokas posing for a photo after training. 2nd November at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rongai.

The late morning session into afternoon was marked by Andi Sensei's punishing Sankyo's that spared very few. Sensei focused on the importance of maintaining contact in our practice and the power of Aikido to be practiced by the small, big, strong and not so strong through proper technique, built upon constant practice.
Sensei also took this time to draw parallels between basic Aikido techniques and the sword techniques from which they are derived. This marked the end of the first day and thereafter members of the club and Sensei had some social time to "apologize to our bodies"/"piga mwili pole."

Sensei Andi with members of Nairobi Aikikai and Judo comrades, including some who had successfully graded. 3rd November at YMCA.

Sunday, 3rd November marked the last day of the epic weekend seminar and the energy reserves were still high as Sensei Andi brought even more Budo teachings to the mat. The seesion, conducted at YMCA studio was the stuff of maniacs and if the stories of those who attended are anything to go by, every muscle in the body was awakened. 

The afternoon session provided another opportunity for a few Aikidokas to be ushered into the next level of their training through a grading exercise. This exercise showed not only the dedication of those who had practised but the growth of the art within Nairobi Aikikai. Congratulations are in order for:

• David, Raphael and Leah (Attained 4th Kyu)
• Daddy and Victor (attained 5th Kyu)

Victor and Joshua during the grading exercise as Sensei prapares to instruct the next technique. Victor successfully graded.

 The day came to an end with a group photo and Sensei's parting remarks and a snack session later courtesy of Louisa. Nairobi Aikikai celebrates all its members, the great contribution and leadership of Sensei Andi and looks forward to ushering in our first black belt when chairperson Joshua takes his exam late next year. Looking forward the challenge to continue growing our art remains and despite the few challenges encountered this year, our Budo spirit remains unbroken.

Nairobi Aikikai's MEAT and GREET this 9th November 2019. Be there or be squared!

Just before the year ends though, with a few more training sessions to go, the Nairobi Aikikai family will come together one last time for a MEAT&GREET this November 9th hosted by the wonderful Louisa. This will be a great chance to hang out without the fear of breakfalls and Nikkyo and Josh promises there will be NO BURPEES! Let's all come through for this last hoorah, be there or be squared!

For those who missed it, here are some highlights from Zurich in September that you will definitely enjoy. Photos, blog post and movie.

We look forward to making even more great memories on the mat in 2020 starting with the annual international seminar in Zanzibar 14th-16th February 2020. Plan to attend. Budo!

Sensei Andi, Nairobi Aikikai and Judokas from Rongai pose for a photo on the last day of the end year seminar (3rd Nov) at YMCA Nairobi.

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!