Exciting news about our recent participation in the 61st All Japan Aikido Embukai (2024) - The Overseas Dojo.
After the first Embukai representing the IAF China Team, we sent another delegation of 16 members to join the Embukai session for overseas dojos and organizations. With only 90 seconds to showcase our skills and a mix of kyu-grades including three children, we performed basic techniques like Shomen-uchi, Nikyo, Irimi-nage, and Kote-gaeshi. We were thrilled to complete our session smoothly in front of over 8,000 spectators at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo!
After the Embukai, we were eager to grab some stylish T-shirts as souvenirs, but unfortunately, the shops had already closed. This was our first time participating in the All Japan Aikido Embukai, so we spent a lot of time coordinating and missed out on exploring the event venue. Next time, we’ll plan better! Haha!
To celebrate our success, we headed to Shinjuku and were overjoyed to have our former instructor, HIKITA Yoshiaki Sensei, and Osono-san join us. To our surprise, Sugawara Shigeru Shihan, the Embukai event chairman, made an appearance during our celebration! Despite his busy schedule, he took the time to join us, which was a huge honour.
Sugawara Shihan’s support and positive feedback on our performance and our efforts in Hong Kong were incredibly encouraging. He even invited me to join him at his Embukai next year for the Hombu Dojo Shihan session. This recognition is a great honour for me and our Honshinkai, acknowledging our work in developing Aikido in Hong Kong.
We’re already looking forward to our next adventure, representing the IAF China Team at the upcoming IAF Summit 2024 in Tokyo this October and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates!
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