On Sunday, July 27th, members of Yokohama AikiDojo proudly took part in the 21st Kanagawa Prefecture Aikido Federation Demonstration, held at the Kanagawa Budokan. This annual event brings together aikidoka from across the prefecture to celebrate their shared practice through formal demonstrations (enbu), highlighting the breadth of aikido expression in Kanagawa.
This year’s event featured a total of 43 dojo demonstrations and 3 university aikido club demonstrations. In addition, 36 instructors performed individual enbu, with ranks ranging from 4th dan to 8th dan, offering a broad and inspiring display of technical levels and styles.
Yokohama AikiDojo was represented by a group enbu performed by ten adult members. Participants were paired in mixed-level groups to reflect the dojo’s inclusive approach and to showcase the diversity of its members in terms of age, body type, and experience. The demonstration emphasized the values of strong fundamentals, cooperation, and mutual respect—qualities that lie at the heart of our daily practice. For several members, it was their first opportunity to demonstrate in a formal setting, and all stepped forward with composure and sincerity.
Last year, the children’s class represented the dojo at this event. This year’s adult participation marked a continuation of our commitment to contributing actively to the prefectural aikido community.
Guillaume Erard Shihan (Aikikai 6th Dan), dojo-cho of Yokohama AikiDojo, also appeared on the program with a shidoin enbu. Having recently returned from his 2025 European Summer Seminar Tour, he chose to continue the theme developed during his overseas instruction. His demonstration combined his characteristic modern and dynamic approach with a selection of older, less commonly practiced techniques drawn from the traditional transmission scrolls (densho) passed down to the founder of aikido by his own teacher. This thoughtful blend offered a rare opportunity to appreciate both the evolution and deep historical roots of the art.
He was accompanied by Mihaly Dobroka Shidoin (5th Dan), David Frykholm Fukushidoin (3rd Dan), and Allan Fontaine Fukushidoin (2nd Dan), who served as ukes. Their precise and committed ukemi helped bring out the depth and technical nuance of the techniques presented.
We offer our sincere thanks to all participants, ukes, and supporters who helped make this event a success. Demonstrations like these serve as a valuable opportunity to share our practice, support one another, and connect with the broader aikido community. We look forward to continuing this journey together and to participating again next year.
