Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City
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Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan awarded Aikido 8th dan In January 2006, Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan was promoted to 8th dan by Aikikai Honbu Dojo and Ueshiba Doshu in recognition of his life-long dedication to his practice and his efforts towards developing and spreading the art of Aikido. On the 21st March 2006, an international celebration was held in Kamakura, the home of Aikido Kenkyukai International and the Shonan Aikido Renmei (AKI Japan). The first part of the celebration took place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Representatives from AKI Japan, visitors from overseas dojo, and honoured guests were invited into the main hall of the shrine where they received a blessing from the priests and watched a traditional dance performance that had been specially arranged by the shrine for this occasion. The group paused at the base of the stone staircase below the shrine for a portrait beside the famous, 1000 year-old ginkgo tree before proceeding to the dojo. Keiko was led by Takeda Shihan followed by a demonstrations in honour of the shrine ('hounou enbu')by the daisenpai including Suzuki Takeshi Sensei, Takeda Satoshi Sensei, Suzuki Yasuyuki Sensei, Numata Hideo Sensei and Seino Takayuki Sensei. The final enbu was given by Takeda Shihan and displayed that incredible beauty and powerful softness for which he was become world-renowned. (Video stills of Takeda Shihan's enbu by Berin Mackenzie)      After the enbu, a party was held at the Kamakura Park Hotel by the sea. Over 220 people were in attendance including Hachimangu Shrine priest Mr. Yoshida, Mrs. O-ishi (chairwoman of Shonan Aikido Renmei), Mr. Matsuda (chairman of Kanagawa Aikido Federation). Other guests included Takeda Shihan's local students, AKI representatives from abroad, old students of Sasame Dojo, students of Yamaguchi Shihan and couples who'd had Takeda Shihan as their marriage celebrant! It was an honour to be able to share in such a momentous occasion with our teacher. Our heartfelt congratulations Sensei and thank you for all that you give. (based on an article by Yamamoto Hiroshi)