Reports

Seminar in Baške Oštarije, Velebit

31.07. - 06.08.2026

20 Years Summer Camp in Croatia

This year again Aikido Društvo Zagreb had invited to Baške Oštarije in the Velebit mountain range for the traditional Aikido summer camp. The small village lies at an altitude of 920 metres, halfway between Karlobag on the coast and Gospić further inland.
The summer seminar with Yoshigasaki Sensei in Croatia took place for the first time 20 years ago. Since the passing of our Doshu and after the Covid break, the seminar is usually taught by several instructors.
In 2026 participants and instructors came from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia and, of course, Croatia (list not exhaustive).

Training

Marijan had drawn up a detailed plan for the anniversary seminar. It lasted a day longer than usual and involved more instructors.
In the early-morning classes, participants practised Ki, breathing and Misogi. This was followed by up to four further lessons each day, divided into practice sessions for everyone and practice sessions for instructors.
The instructors demonstrated many different aspects of Aikido, such as precise tanto, jo and bokken techniques, complete tsuzukiwaza sequences, or various techniques relating to a specific theme. Despite the high temperatures, there was plenty of action on the mat.

Hike, sea, party

As every year, a few die-hards turned up to take part in the hike led by Marijan.
Some participants were staying in Karlobag; others went there during their lunch break to swim in the sea or enjoy Croatian cuisine at a beachside restaurant.
On Wednesday evening, there was a party at the Ostello Baške Oštarije featuring a brilliant blues band.

Watermelons and cheese

To beat the heat and quench their thirst after the morning’s lesson, the Zagreb aikidoka brought watermelons, which, cut into handy pieces, made for an excellent thirst-quencher.
Maurizio had brought a big amount of the finest Gorgonzola from Novara to the party. To complement this, the Dutch Aikidoka also organised a cheese party after the morning training session.

Dan examination during the final lesson

Čedo had been honing his techniques for the Shodan examination all week during the free practice on afternoon. On the final day, at the beginning of the last lesson, he could finally demonstrate his skills. With his three uke Marijana, Božo, and Goga, he demonstrated very harmonious techniques. Congratulations !!!
The seminar was once again a resounding success. Many thanks to Marijan, Angela and Dobroslav for all their hard work in organising it. For the participants, the shared activities beyond the tatami – such as hiking, parties, meals together and swimming – made the week in Baške Oštarije a particularly unforgettable experience.
See you next time!

Group photo

You can find lots more photos at Facebook Aikido Društvo Zagreb.