Thursday, May 3, 2007

Europe Tour. April 2 - May1- 07















Click on all Photos for large View

Our Europe Journey began after arriving in London.We visited 16 destinations, London, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna, Malpica, Madrid, Barcelona. Marseille, Nice, Monaco. Florence, Rome, Salerno, Reggio di Calabria, Syracuze, Pozzallo. Valletta. within 5 countries. UK, Spain, South France, Italy and the Island of Malta.

My intention was to combine the experience with contacting and meeting Aikido people to expand our friendship network and exchange Aikido ideas. I am most interested in seeing how Aikido is expressed throughout the world not to compare but to feel for new sensations outside the usual life experience.

Several Dojo were contacted and new friendships were established highlighted by the knowledge of a connection between my Aikido mentor ( Takeda Yoshinobu shihan ) and Shihan in Europe.
Tamura shihan is held with high regard in Europe and especially South Europe namely the Mediterranian region. It was an encouraging experience to meet European Aikidoka under Tamura shihan's guidance.

Aikido seminar invitations were offered to me from members of two European Aiki-Kai Dojo. The first seminar in Spain the other in Malta. Both seminars were received by members with interest in the Aikido Kenkyukai International method of Aikido training. Students asked questions and expressed genuine appreciation for the instruction. Some DVD were left with the instructors of the dojo to keep and use as reference viewing.

I am grateful to the instructors and members who showed an open mind to the instruction also showing great hospitality and kindness during my visit to their dojo, and for their invitations to visit again in the future.

The world is getting smaller due to ease of accessability, transport, technology and communication. Fortunatly because of this phenomenum we can act on opportunity and create a greater Aiki experience. Our world is abundant with opportunity lets enjoy its message.

enjoy.

Chicko.

Juan Antonio sensei. Indigo Aikido studio A-Coruna. Spain
































Video 1 Spain

Video 2 Spain

The Malta Independant News Paper

Europe Press Release 2

Video 1 Malta

Video 2 Malta


Mediterranean Aikido Federation Malta

Kevin Bonanno sensei and Members Malta Link








































* * * * Press Release * * * *

Title: An Aikidoka from down-under

It is a truism that experience shared is the best teacher. This applies to all aspects of the journey that is life. The Aikido Association had the pleasure to host Chicko Xerri Sensei, a 4th dan Aikidoka from Australia. Chicko Sensei demonstrated aspects of Aikido pertaining to the internal rather than the external aspects. External and internal are just simplistic ways of describing whether a technique is applied with apparent force or by leading the assailant in such a way that the perpetrator is felled by his or her own force, respectively.

A particular set of techniques which Chicko Sensei shared with those present depicted how one can use one’s own weight as a means to force into submission a determined aggressor, one intent on harming the purported victim. Other techniques revolved on the use of various unbalancing techniques, which form the basis of the Art.

All in all, it was an eye-opener for the local Aikidokas who participated in the seminar as they were exposed to different ways of executing the highly effective techniques studied during Aikido classes. Readers who are interested in Aikido may join a couple of classes for free at the Guardian Angel School in Hamrun. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 1830 till 2000hrs and Saturdays at 1630 till 1800hrs and are open to everyone, young and old, male and female. For further details, contact Kevin Bonanno on mobile no 9989 9733 or via e-mail, info@aikidomalta.net or visit http://www.aikidomalta.net/.