Reports

For the 18th time (in 19 years) Aikido Društvo Zagreb organised an international summer seminar. With one exception (Bale, Istria, year?) the seminars have been held on the Velebit plateau at Baške Oštarije in the Lika/Karlobag region of Croatia.

For the third year running, Maurizio Volpe offered his teaching and omnipresence, leading several lessons, participating in all other aikido classes, as well as offering himself during daily free practice before the evening lesson. Organiser Marijan Kudrna also invited Davide Rizzi (Bologna), who co-taught last year, and Joachim von Rost (Stockholm) to lead classes. Unfortunately, Bernhard Boll Shihan was unable to attend this time.
Around 50-60 people participated in total, which meant the dojo was well occupied without being overcrowded. Most of the people are regulars, although there were also a few newcomers on the tatami. As per previous years, each morning class (misogi, ki breathing, etc.) was led by various other experienced instructors.
This year, exams were high on the agenda, reflecting a sense of progress and purpose, partly as a result of the efforts of the last years to keep Velebit running, under excellent stewardship and cooperation from the organisers and teachers.
Several exams were held: two shodan, three chuden, one yondan, and a 3rd kyu exam was conducted during the final free practice after intensive preparations. The dan examinees were all well prepared and were passed by Volpe Shihan. The intensive practice offered by the summer seminar is a unique opportunity to reflect and refine ones practice and take inspiration from various sources.
During the lunch break and afternoon, people variously go to the coast, hike, take rest or even practice calligraphy in the dojo.
Next year’s seminar is scheduled on 25-30.07.2025.