Late Tuesday evening I left from Haneda Airport and 32 hours later arrived in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Literally the other side of the world. This seminar was hosted by the FLAY (Federation of Yoshinkan Aikido in Latin America) Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Paraguay, Uruguay all untied to promote Yoshinkan Aikido. Special thanks to Ednei and Marcio sensei from Nintaikan dojo, Ikeda sensei from Konyokan dojo and Fernando sensei from Argentina`s Ginryukan dojo. The support and hospitality was unparalleled.
From Friday to Monday we trained both morning and night a total of about 14 hours at 3 different locations. The majority of the students were from the Sao paulo area, however a few guests from the outskirts of Brazil as well as a huge group of over 20 from Argentina`s Ginryukan dojo. A total of around 60 to 70 students throughout the 4 days.
We did a bit of everything. The 6 basic movements, a lot of ukemi, all the basic techniques from the 8th kyu to 4th kyu Yoshinkan test syllabus as well as a few brown belt and above techniques, jiyu-waza, buki waza and goshin waza. Although Spanish speaking Gonzalo did an amazing job translating my English to Portuguese there were probably a few things that still got lost in translation. However, all the students, even the white belt beginners put 100% into each training and were picking up the points without problem.
The Argentina group, who which most arrived Saturday at 3am, still showed up for the first class 9am that morning. The effort and spirit shown by all was inspiring.
On Friday and Monday evening I taught classes at Ikeda sensei`s Konyokan dojo. Just a few feet from their home, Ikeda Sensei and wife Ana teach not only Aikido, but run a whole sports club filled with fitness equipment, even an indoor pool.
Brazil is a big beautiful country filled with all sorts of people and various cultures. Everyone is laid back and always smiling. The openness, friendliness and warmth shown by all I met will never be forgotten. I look forward to seeing everyone again either here in Japan or back in Latin America.
