On Saturday June 14th, the tatami at Yokohama AikiDojo buzzed with anticipation as students from across the Kanagawa region and beyond gathered for a truly special event. Fabrice Croizé Sensei, the renowned French aikido master had traveled from France to share his decades of experience with the Japanese aikido community.
Fabrice Croizé Sensei brings an impressive pedigree to the mat. Beginning his aikido journey in 1991 at the age of 18, he has dedicated over three decades to mastering the art, many of which spent as one of the top-three assistants of Christian Tissier Shihan (8th dan). What makes Croizé Sensei particularly remarkable is his approach to professional aikido instruction. As a professional aikido instructor, he emphasizes patience as the secret to successful professionalization in aikido, sharing his expertise not just in technique but in the business of teaching the art.
The special class at Yokohama AikiDojo, the second visit of Fabrice to our dojo, represented more than just a technical seminar—it was a beautiful example of aikido's international spirit. Students who attended the class experienced Croizé Sensei's distinctive teaching style, which blends classical aikido principles with modern pedagogical approaches. His methodology, refined through years of teaching across Europe and international seminars, offered participants fresh insights into familiar techniques.
Yokohama AikiDojo has established itself as a hub for international aikido exchange, regularly hosting distinguished visiting instructors. The dojo, which offers aikido classes for both children and adults taught in English in the Yamate area, provides an ideal setting for such cross-cultural martial arts education. The timing of Croizé Sensei's visit was particularly significant, coming at a time when the global aikido community continues to strengthen its international connections. His presence at the dojo underscored the importance of maintaining these bonds and sharing knowledge across continents.
During the special class, Croizé Sensei demonstrated the technical precision that has made him a sought-after instructor internationally. Students were treated to his unique approach to fundamental aikido movements, with particular emphasis on the subtle details that separate competent technique from masterful execution. His teaching philosophy, developed over years of professional instruction, focuses on building solid foundations while encouraging individual expression within the art. This balanced approach resonated strongly with the diverse group of students in attendance, from beginners eager to absorb basic principles to advanced practitioners seeking to refine their understanding.
As the class concluded, participants left with more than just new techniques—they carried with them a deeper appreciation for aikido's international character and the dedication required to master the art. Croizé Sensei's generous sharing of his knowledge and experience created memories that will influence their practice for years to come. For the students of Yokohama AikiDojo, the visit from Fabrice Croizé Sensei represented not just a learning opportunity, but a connection to the broader world of aikido—a reminder that they are part of a global community united by shared dedication to this profound martial art.
