AKR Jodo Championship and Seminar 12-14 April 2024

Just had a massive weekend in Sydney with Northside Budokai’s Lynford Rosos and Tom Garwood attending the 2024 AKR Jodo Championship and Seminar.

The event was conducted by a delegation of 5 Japanese 8 Dan teachers led by Shiiya Mitsuo Sensei, an unprecedented level of instruction. Special thanks to Butsui Sensei for her work in the background to put this together. Congratulations too to Tom Garwood who passed a test for 3 Kyu and also Tom Johnson from Queensland Kohokai who was graded to 6 Dan.

Kagami Biraki

The Aikikai Hombu Dojo held it’s New Year Kagami Biraki Ceremony on 14 January. This includes the announcement of promotions by way of recommendation. This year included Aikido Shoryukai Australia members, following the support of Shimamoto Shihan. The good news is that Colin Tibbetts of Bayside Budokai was promoted to 2 Dan as well as Damon Schearer Sensei of Kuroyama Budokai and Lynford Rosos Sensei of Northside Budokai who were both promoted to 5 Dan. A significant achievement and congratulations to all.

Certificates

Gotaro Kitayama Sensei of the Gold Coast Budokai attended our Keiko Hajime on 4 January and it was a privilege to present him with his certificate for 4 Dan Aikido having been graded by Shimamoto Shihan last September. The following Sunday 7 January we were also joined by Ayanoshin Kitayama who performed an outstanding test for Junior 5 Kyu aikido. At the end of class he was presented with his grading certificate together with his 6 Kyu certificate which has been hanging since last year. To top things off, Jeff Nesterowich also received his 1 Dan Certificate issued by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo from his grading test last September.

Welcome Back to 2024

This week, with the start of the new school year, saw the resumption of Juniors Akido. They joined the seniors who kicked back into action as of 4 January. We currently have space available in both the adults and juniors classes. In spite of the hot weather, it is a great time to get into something new or return to your training.