SHIN SHIN TOITSU AIKIDO - Ki Aikido

Seminar in Balerna

16.10. - 18.10.2026
Maurizio Volpe - Bernhard Boll

Autumn seminar in Balerna

For the annual autumn seminar in Balerna with Maurizio Volpe and Bernhard Boll, came many aikidoka from Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont), Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom.
Bernhard opened the seminar on Friday evening, as Maurizio could not reach the tatami in time because flights from London to Malpensa had been delayed.
After kenkotaiso and aikitaiso, Bernhard focused on the tsuzukiwaza 18 yokomenuchi and 12 ushiro katatedori from the 3rd dan's syllabus. Adi and Claudia demonstrated selected techniques and later the complete sequences.

Pizzata

After the lesson, the traditional pizza meal took place on the stage of the palestra. In addition to plenty of delicious pizza and spring rolls from Mary's Pizza in Balerna, there was a spelt salad prepared by Yvette, excellent cakes from Karel and Elena, and even some strong, homemade limoncello by Ilaria.
By around 11 p.m., everything had been tidied up, and the participants headed home—or to their respective accommodations—to get some sleep before Saturday's training.

Saturday morning

On Saturday, Maurizio opened the lessons. But first, he presented the 5th Dan certificates to Christian and Domenico. He then explained tsuzukiwaza 5 ryokatadori. Demonstrating with Davide, he showed that a stable posture for the throws must originate from one’s own center. Stefano was called upon several times to demonstrate parts of the tsuzukiwaza.
In the second part, Bernhard covered tsuzukiwaza 9 tsuki & keri as well as tsuzukiwaza 19 tsuki, focusing specifically on the more challenging techniques. Adi, Andrea, and Vincenzo then demonstrated the sequences.

Group photo of saturday

Lunch break

During the lunch break, most of the group walked to their usual spot, the Grotto del Mulino, located in the Breggia Gorge Nature Park. The stroll through the sunny, autumnal landscape was truly a delight for the heart.
As is almost always the case, the menu featured polenta nostrana served with luganiga (sausages), uccelli scapati (meat rolls), and onion sauce; for the many vegetarians, there was a hearty autumn salad topped with formaggino cheese from the Muggio Valley, followed by a delicious pumpkin and mushroom risotto.

Saturday afternoon

On Saturday afternoon, Maurizio provided instruction for jodori, sharing many important details.
Bernhard focused on conveying the essential elements of Bokken + Jo 1 and Bokken + Jo 2, with Adi and Alessandro demonstrating the results.
Adi then took his examination for 3rd Dan. Claudia, Stefano, Laura, Paolo, Eva, and Karel served as uke. At the end, he received the applause from all the participants.
Bernhard wrapped up the lesson with ushiro katatedori kubishime from tantodori 2.
In the evening, a dozen participants gathered at Ristorante Stazione for a leisurely dinner.

Sunday morning

On Sunday morning, Maurizio delved deeper into the techniques of jodori, while Bernhard led a detailed review of Bokken + Jo 1.
Once the tatami, tables, and benches had all been cleared away, Christian treated everyone to a bottle of "Echter Secco" from Würzburg on the occasion of his Godan.
Most participants said their goodbyes and set off for home.
Five people concluded the seminar with the traditional lunch at Grotto del Mulino. Afterward, they too parted ways, and Maurizio took the guest from London to Malpensa Airport.
The dates for next year’s seminars have already been arranged; they just await final confirmation. See you soon !

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