After 2 days and 10 classes in Moscow, we next made the 7 hour drive to Veliky Novgorod, a very old and important historic city in Russia. We met with the host, Alexandr Zhilyaev Sensei from Airyukan Dojo (a branch dojo from the Kiryukan organization) and had yes, another Uzbekistan meal. After a brief stop to drop of my bags at the hotel, we were then off to the first of 16 classes.
The first class was a kids class, white and blue belts - 80 of them! For most of them, maybe all of them, it was their first big seminar. They were a bit nervous, but soon got over it and were full of energy, a bit too much energy... put it this way, I slept well that night.
The next class again were kids, but this time yellow belts to black, and only about 50. Since the age group was also a bit higher we got to go over some more advanced things and had some fun with jiyu-waza.
As for adults, we had 2 classes Friday evening. There were about 50 adults ranging from white belt to instructors. We started off slow in preparation for the full weekend ahead - just did some ukemi, basic movements and simple techniques.
Saturday and Sunday had 6 classes each, 4 adults and 2 kids. With the huge number of children, we didn't get in to go too much in to detail, instead just had some fun with some things they don't usually practice. Overall their ukemi is great, so we had them moving with a lot of throwing techniques.
With the adults, we did everything from kamae to kaeshi-waza. Again there were visitors from all around Russia, most of them who only get together during these kind of events, so everyone was pumped up and ready to train hard. A total of 10 adult classes started taking a toll, by Sunday evening everyone was starting to feel it. Nevertheless, almost all students trained with everything they had right up till the last seiza.
Yes, there was a lot of training, but I can't forget to mention some of the stuff between - Although at the time all I could really think about was going back to my hotel for a few minutes rest before the upcoming classes, I'm now grateful I roughed it and got to see and enjoy this beautiful city.
During the Saturday lunch break, Alexandr Sensei organized an awesome tour of Novgorod. Guided and translated by a pro. We first went to the St. George's monastery, the oldest in Russia. In the Church of St. George you can still see some remnants of the medieval frescoes.
Next was the Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture. This village is a collection of traditional wooden houses, churches, and chapels all imported from the region. Similar to some of the older log houses I've seen in Canada, however the amount of detail in the woodwork and thought put into each type of wood for each area depending on weather, fire ventilation etc. was amazing.
We finished the tour off with a visit to the Novgorod Kremlin. Inside the huge bordering walls, the Millennium of Russia (a huge bronze monument). There are 129 statues representing famous people throughout 1000 years of Russian history.
The Cathedral of St. Sophia, built in 1045 is the oldest church in all of Russia. The gates at the West entrance, as well as the cross that was once on top of the dome, both have quite the story behind them.
After a full day of sightseeing and of course training, we had a few drinks and relaxed at a Russian Sauna. Have you ever tried Russian pyramid(billiards)? The table and balls are huge, but the pockets tiny. Almost no rules other than you have to hit another ball... seems simple, but a lot harder than I expected.
Thanks to the Russian Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu Federation, Nikolai Sensei and Kiryukan, Alexandr Sensei and Airyukan, big and small Alexey, Andrey, Sasha, the group from Belarus and St.Petersburg, and all the other people who helped throughout the weekend. I look forward to seeing everyone again.
This was my 4th time to Russia, however only my second time to Moscow. The first time was over 7 years ago when I accompanied Ando Shihan as uchideshi. This seminar as well was once again hosted by Nikolai Zherdev Sensei and the Kiryukan Dojo.
I arrived late Tuesday afternoon after a direct flight from Narita. The drive from Sheremetyevo International airport took quite some time since I landed right into rush hour. After checking into the hotel, we went out for a nice Uzbekistan dinner (seems to be popular in Russia recently). Moscow has a 6 hour time difference and I was starting to feel it. Got back to the hotel around midnight and tried to get some sleep, unsuccessfully.
The first class out of 10, started bright and early at 7am Wednesday morning. Being a weekday, I was happy to see a decent turnout. About 25 people joined the early classes before starting their workday. Mostly instructors and black belts, making for a fun, energetic and intensive seminar.
The afternoon and evening classes had a few more people, including the kids (about 25 of them). There were visitors from all around Moscow, also Ekaterinburg, Belarus, Kursk, Kazan, and Kostroma. It was nice getting to see a bunch of familiar faces. Quite a few of Kiryukan instructors and students have been to Japan and stayed with us at Ryu Dojo.
During the lunch break on Thursday, Denis from Hakuryukan Dojo took me on a short, but interesting excursion through north Moscow. We walked through the Memorial Museum of Astronautics and then VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). It is kind of like a huge amusement park filled with different pavillions. It also has a huge skating rink (60,000 square metres) the biggest in all of Russia and Europe.
It was great being back in Moscow. The aiki spirit was awesome, the food delicious, the hospitality unparalleled and the weather better than expected. Thanks again to everyone who came out on their work days to join us at the 2 day seminar, especially the people from other parts of Russia who made the long trip out to Moscow. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
First class back after my trip to Russia... a little tired, but getting back in to the swing of things. The kids are getting ready for their winter tests on the 14th. Still a bit of work to do, but they are looking good.
Starting next week, between the junior and senior class, we will begin our special training in preparation for next years kids tournament. All participants are welcome. Every Wednesday from 5:15 to 5:45.
