Reports

On March 23, 2024, the first Aikido seminar of the year in Balerna took place, again with Maurizio Volpe and Bernhard Boll as teachers.

The participants came in large numbers, most from Piedmont and Lombardy, Michal and Karel from Prague, Christian and Claudia from Nuremberg and Fabrizio, Giuseppe and Geoffrey from Liège.

Saturday morning

Bernhard started on Saturday morning with Kenkotaiso, stretching and Aikitaiso. With the techniques Ushiro tekubidori sankyo and Ushirodori zenponage he considered the aspect of relaxation, lines and forms.
Afterwards, with Fabrizio as Uke, he showed details from Tsuzukiwaza 5, Ryokatadori with the techniques Zenponage ojigi, Kirikaeshi, Kokyunage nido ojigi and Nikyo tenshin.
Before the following lesson everyone gathered for a group photo.

At the beginning of his lesson, Maurizio handed over the certificates for JODEN to Fabrizio and for the 5th Dan to Giuseppe De Matteo and to Yvette Voumard.
He then taught the techniques of Tsuzukiwaza 12, Ushiro ryokatadori. He explainded the mental attitudes, the concept of the techniques and also precise details in the execution.
The lesson ended with the JODEN exam for Giuseppe from Liège and the OKUDEN exam for Fabio. The background music was provided by the loud bells of Balerna, which ring out melodies at 12 noon.

Many of the participants wanted to walk then to the Grotto del Mulino for lunch. Unfortunately, the direct footpath was closed due to works on a landslide. So they had to use their vehicles and take the detour via Morbio Inferiore. In sunny weather and with a strong breeze, the Aikidoka enjoyed polenta with Luganiga or risotto with pear in the Grotto. Some participants, however, ate in the sports hall, where tables and benches were prepared on the stage.

Saturday afternoon

Bernhard continued practise on Saturday afternoon. The topic was Tsuzukiwaza 18, Yokomenuchi. As uke acted the exams' candidates Fabrizio and Ben. The latter could only come to the afternoon training. He had brought his whole family with him as spectators.

In the second part of the afternoon, Maurizio first taught techniques from Tsuzukiwaza 10, Taninzugake and then Bokken against/with Jo.
Especially in the third dan exam, it is important to understand the role of bokken in the basic form of this kumiwaza. Maurizio explained the ideas and possibilities of this encounter.

The exams for the third Dan began around 6 p.m.
Andrea, Luca, Vicenzo, Fabio and Geoffrey acted as uke. Ben began and showed the extensive program smoothly. The uke were challenged and warmed up well. Fabrizio also presented the examination program in a convincing way. The spring seminar in Balerna came to a worthy end.
The guests from Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic met for dinner in the Meridiana restaurant, together with Maurizio, Yvette, Andrea and Bernhard. Memories were exchanged and stories from the origins of Shin Shin Toitsu were told.
In September 2024, Maurizio and Bernhard will travel to the guests from Liège and give a seminar there.