DIVIGNANO (Italy) – Centro Natura Docet
"Martial arts are not intended for the purpose of war, especially not in this days. Rather, they should promote harmony in the world."
These words, uttered by Sensei Yoshigasaki, are a maxim of Ki AIKIDO and probably of all other martial arts.
Yoshigasaki Sensei led the international Ki AIKIDO seminar in Divignano from June 8th to 10th, 2007, throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, the seminar took place as usual, with numerous KI exercises, breathing exercises, gymnastics, AIKIDO techniques, and meditations. It is part of everyone's consciousness to be in the here and now and in the movement of life, and it was precisely in this context that the diligent exam preparations took place, even in the evenings.
Children
In the afternoon, at 3:45 p.m. to be precise, a nice group of children from the Ronin dojo gathered on the tatami under the guidance of the doshu. Rolling can also be a game. It's incredible how the children, initially somewhat intimidated by the doshu's presence, relaxed and gave their best after the master's smile and encouragement. We were then able to admire those who performed the most daring jumps and the most spectacular falls, as well as those who proudly demonstrated their technical skills.
It is truly encouraging and a great joy to see the young people participating with such energy. Many parents say that their children benefit greatly in school precisely from Aikido practise. Some children confirmed this with beaming smiles and expressed great satisfaction. In a few years, new masters will emerge from these groups of children, who, with their ideas, will further develop this art, which we hope can give new meaning to life.
Graduations, Examinations, Socializing
The first examination session began around 6 p.m. The Doshu awarded Sensei Maurizio Volpe the rank of Rokudan (6th Dan, Black Belt) to the applause of everyone present.
The following aikidoka passed the Joden examination: Andrea Beduschi from the Dojo Balerna (Switzerland), Fabio Bosotti, and Moreno Maule from the Dojo Ronin in Novara (Italy).
The Sandan (3rd Dan black belt) exams followed, which were mastered with great dynamism by Riccardo Borri, a student of Master Patrizio Bronzi from the Dojo Valdarno (I), and by Michela Fioramonti, a student of Sensei Maurizio Volpe from the Dojo Olcella (I).
Numerous photos and videos were taken during the exams.
Even if it's true that KI AIKIDO is an authentic martial art that aims to create harmony in the world, one shouldn't think that its techniques are ineffective. And after witnessing the two Randori - free attacks by four people - this claim no longer makes sense. Achieving these results requires in-depth technical knowledge and considerable skill in space management ... and that's not easy at all.
On Sunday morning, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., preparations for the Yondan (4th Dan black belt) exams took place. Needless to say, this demonstration was even more impressive. At this level (the final official KI-AIKIDO exam), one must be able to develop a great deal of harmony, which must be visible in the dojo and spread throughout the entire space. Saying and writing this is easy, but realizing this situation in front of a hundred people is quite another.
The three friends, Bernhard Boll from the Hechingen Dojo (Germany), Patrizio Bronzi from the Valdarno Dojo (Italy), and Silvio Perin from the Bassano del Grappa Dojo (Italy), perfectly demonstrated their mastery and received a well-deserved applause.
The organization of the seminar was, as always, almost perfect, in a dojo of great beauty surrounded by a park;
superbly equipped with interesting infrastructure such as the swimming pool, the dining room, and comfortable rooms: a small piece of enchanting Italy.
The participants enjoyed excellent buffet meals, accompanied by welcoming wine from the group from Bologna and from the group of Valdarno, who even brought a large wicker balloon (damigiana) to Divignano. We all said goodbye with some sadness about the separation, but without any sadness, aware that every end is the beginning of a new beginning.
Based on a text by Yves Opizzo
