On Sunday, April 13th, 2025, our instructor, Mihaly Dobroka Shidoin (5th Dan), was invited by Okuyama Daiki Sensei (4th Dan) to teach a special class at his newly established Aikido Kita-Hachioji Dojo. The training was held at Fujimori Sports Center, located near Hachioji Station.
In the morning, Okuyama Sensei kindly welcomed Mihaly Shidoin and Yokohama Aikidojo members at the station, and together they took a local bus to the venue. The tatami room was reserved from 9:00 to 12:00, and the atmosphere was full of anticipation and energy.
Mihaly Shidoin and Okuyama Daiki Dojocho
Aikido Kita-Hachioji Dojo was opened last year, and under the enthusiastic leadership of Okuyama Sensei, the dojo has already grown into a vibrant community. The dojo currently consists of many enthusiastic beginners and a handful of more experienced practitioners. Mihaly Shidoin therefore laid out his class in order to fit that particular demographic.
The first class ran from 9:30 to 10:30. Practice began with a thorough warm-up, followed by core conditioning exercises tailored for ukemi (falling techniques). Mihaly Shidoin emphasized the importance of developing control over one’s body and maintaining proper form—particularly in the practice of backward rolls. Moving on to partner work, the class focused on shomen-uchi (frontal strike). Mihaly Shidoin began by teaching Irimi (entering movement), one of Aikido’s fundamental principles. He demonstrated the versatility of irimi through various forms—direct entry, irimi with a tenkai (pivot), and irimi with a full 180-degree tenkan (turn). These were practiced with different footwork patterns to deepen the understanding of basic taisabaki (body movement). The session continued with Irimi-nage, followed by ikkyo (first control technique). Before practicing the techniques, ukemi exercises were used to highlight the importance of balance and the use of the center (hara). Students practiced both omote and ura variations of shomen-uchi ikkyo based on these concepts. To conclude the first class, Mihaly Shidoin demonstrated advanced throwing variations of Irimi-nage and ikkyo. These showcased how even the most basic techniques could evolve into dynamic applications, inspiring students—especially beginners—to continue their Aikido journey.
After a 15-minute break, the second session took place from 10:45 to 11:45 and centered around techniques from Katate-dori (one-handed grab). The class began with seated kokyu-ho (breathing power exercise). Mihaly Shidoin emphasized the importance of spiral movement, relaxation, and using the whole body in a connected, tension-free manner. This foundational movement was then applied in standing techniques, beginning with Irimi using the same kokyu motion. The students then practiced nikyo (second control technique) in both omote and ura forms, followed by Shihonage and Kotegaeshi. Throughout the class, Mihaly Shidoin demonstrated techniques on all participants and also received ukemi himself—creating a strong sense of connection and trust on the mat. To finish the day, the group engaged in Jiyu-waza (free technique) from Katate-dori. Mihaly Shidoin divided the participants into two groups: first, the advanced practitioners had space to freely explore and express their techniques; then the beginners had time and room to revisit and refine the basic movements they had just learned.
Around 40 practitioners joined the event, creating a dynamic and friendly training atmosphere. After the classes, group photos were taken to commemorate this special day of Aikido exchange and learning. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Okuyama Daiki Sensei for the warm invitation and hospitality. We look forward to more collaboration and mutual growth between our dojos in the future.
