This past Saturday, Yokohama AikiDojo had the pleasure of hosting a special joint class with our friends from Takeda Dojo. The event brought together nearly 50 enthusiastic participants for a wonderful day of Aikido practice, community connection, and seasonal enjoyment.
The day began with a 90-minute kids' class, split into two sessions. Saint Maur International School’s basketball court was booked for the occasion, to offer maximum space for an energetic and safe practice. Guillaume Sensei led the first half, including warm up and ukemi exercises, followed by Takeda Daiyu Sensei for the second, allowing the children to experience two distinct teaching styles and energies. The young aikidoka demonstrated focus, enthusiasm, and a great spirit of cooperation throughout both sessions. Daiyu Sensei made ample use of group work in order to mix and match participants, who were all able to move and communicate through the universal language that is Aikido.
Following the kids' class, the adults took to the mat for an energizing session led by Guillaume Sensei. Guillaume Sensei focused his class on the use of the central body axis, and relaxation throughout the technique. While the adults were training indoors, the children and their parents were able to enjoy the sunny spring weather and play together in the nearby playground—an ideal balance of discipline and recreation.
After training, everyone gathered at the Cougar Café for a relaxed luncheon. It was a wonderful opportunity for students, families, and instructors from both dojos to socialize, exchange stories, and strengthen the bonds between our communities. To wrap up the day, many families took the opportunity to enjoy a scenic stroll through the Bluff and Motomachi area on their way home, adding a cultural and leisurely dimension to an already rich experience.
We’re grateful to Daiyu Sensei and the members of Takeda Dojo for making the journey to Yamate and to all participants for their positive energy. As we mentioned multiple times in this blog, it is in no small part thanks to the support of the Takeda family that Yokohama AikiDojo could sustain its first years of existence and make connections throughout the prefecture, allowing us to take part in a multitude of events. We were therefore very happy to finally be in a position to reciprocate and have our members establish connections.
Events like this remind us of the fundamental value of shared practice and community spirit. We’re already looking forward to the next joint event!
