The traditional Aikido Kagamibiraki ceremony held at the Aikido Hombu Dojo on January 11, 2026, marked an exceptional start to the year for the global Aikido community. Among the 1,064 practitioners promoted during this prestigious annual event, Yokohama AikiDojo instructor at large, Odilon Regnard, received his 5th dan certification, a significant milestone in his distinguished martial arts career and a major advance for our organization.
The weekend festivities began at the Keio Plaza Hotel on Saturday evening and continued Sunday at the Hombu Dojo, bringing together aikidoka from around the world to celebrate renewal, continuity, and dedication to the art. The ceremony featured numerous high-level promotions, including eight distinguished senseis elevated to 8th dan, incuding Hombu Dojo instructors Sugawara Shigeru sensei and Kobayashi Yukimitsu sensei. Practitioners who received 7th dan promotions included our friends Takeda Daiyu sensei, Yamamoto Hiroshi sensei, from the Kanagawa Prefecture Aikido Federation.
Odilon Regnard achieved the prestigious rank of 5th dan. His promotion represents nearly three decades of commitment to Aikido since he began training in 1996 at age eighteen. A professional aikido instructor certified by both the French government and the Aikido Hombu Dojo, Regnard has built an impressive career spanning multiple countries and disciplines. Currently based in Germany at the Emmendingen AikiDojo, member of the Aikido Föderation Deutschland, Regnard holds diplomas from both the French state education system and the Aikikai of Tokyo. He serves as an overseas instructor at Yokohama AikiDojo in Japan, where he regularly travels to teach and practice.
Odilon Regnard in Yokohama
Regnard's promotion was recommended by Guillaume Erard Shihan, who noted that the promotion felt "particularly meaningful," as Regnard has "trusted me for many years to steer him and his students toward what I believe are positive Aikido values." The formalization of their teaching relationship through this promotion underscores the deep master-student connections that characterize traditional Japanese martial arts.
With a Master's degree in performing arts and extensive experience teaching youth with disabilities and learning challenges, Regnard brings a unique pedagogical approach to his aikido instruction. His background allows him to integrate behavioral insights from martial arts practice into creative endeavors and group dynamics management.
The full list of 2026 Kagamibiraki promotions is available at this link. As Regnard continues his journey as a 5th dan, the members of Yokohama AikiDojo eagerly anticipate his future visits to Japan for teaching and training. His promotion serves as an inspiration to practitioners worldwide, demonstrating the rewards of persistent dedication, international collaboration, and a sincere commitment to the art of Aikido.
Congratulations to all those promoted at the 2026 Kagamibiraki ceremony. May the year ahead bring continued growth and harmony to the global Aikido community.
