Andrew, Irene, Shane and Miria travelled to the 10th International Aikido Congress in Tanabe, Japan held from October 6 – 12. They were part of a Kiwi contingent led by Takase Shihan and which included several people from New Caledonia (honorary kiwis). The Congress is run by the International Aikido Federation. It is held every 4 years and as the was the 10th Anniversary it was held in the original home town of O Sensei.

Tanabe is a small town in the beautiful Wakayama Prefecture in the southwest of the Kii Peninsular. O Sensei is one of Tanabe city’s famous sons and the city entered into the spirit of the IAF congress providing a great welcome and friendly atmosphere. The food in Tanabe was fantastic, the friendliness of the people and the connection to O Sensei makes it a city that all aikidoka should enjoyably visit given the chance.

During the IAF seminar classes were provided by some of the most senior teachers active in the world including to name a few: Sugano Shihan, Yamada Shihan, Isoyama Shihan and Tada Shihan. The final class was take by Doshu and over 1000 people attended filling the mat. The training was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and train with senior aikidoka. The seminar was great fun.

Doshu's class

On Saturday 11 October the day was devoted to travelling to Kumano Hongu Taisha at Oyunohara a sacred shrine and World Heritage site. At the shrine the International Aikido Demonstration was held over 3 and a half hours, opening with Shinto religious rites and various speeches. Following these there were demonstrations from the Wakayama and Kansai dojos, the various member nations and concluding with one by Doshu. Andrew and Shane carried out the demonstration on behalf of New Zealand. This was a special event in a special place.

Oyunohara Gate, Tanabe, Japan

Kozanji Temple, Tanabe, Japan

O'Sensei's grave