The last event of the year 2024 was the Kanagawa Training Exchange Practice, which took place on Sunday, December 22nd. As always, a group of practitioners from Yokohama AikiDojo attended both the training and the social afterwards.
The Kanagawa Training Exchange Practice is an event historically organized by Aikido Kenkyukai International in order to provide an opportunity for Aikido practitioners of the Kanagawa prefecture and beyond to gather and train together in a spirit of openness. Although it is held once or twice a year, it has become more fulfilling with each passing session. This time, Takeda Daiyu Sensei and his team from Aikido Kenkyukai International booked the Kamakura Budokan, a wonderful training facility located close to Ofuna Station.
Kamakura Budokan
Even though it took place close to the winter break, over fifty aikidoka from numerous different organizations gathered for a passionate and enjoyable training session. The custom is for the instructors from fifth dan and above to briefly meet before practice to appoint a few of them to lead the sessions. This time, three teachers were selected to teach, starting with Aigo Kenichiro Sensei, 6th dan from Chiyoda Ward Aikikai, followed by Guillaume Erard Sensei, 6th dan from Yokohama AikiDojo, and then Yamagishi Yoshifumi Sensei, 6th dan from Sagami Aikido Federation.
Guillaume Sensei about to start his class
The three-hour training session was relaxed yet dynamic, and the fatigue that resulted left everyone in a pleasant mood. More than half of the participants joined in a small party held at a local izakaya, which resounded with laughter, receiving new inspiration from the other practitioners who are walking the same path as us. Many of the participants commented that they had a wonderful time.
After practice party
Daiyu Sensei already said that he hoped to hold the event again next year, as a stimulant that will add colour to regular training.
