Today’s practice began at 10 a.m.

I enjoyed a slow breakfast in my small hotel room and met up with the New Zealand group around 9. Unlike yesterday—when I got a little lost on the way to the train—I made it to the platform without any trouble this morning. Relying on my memory and Google Maps, I headed back to Seibukan.

Seibukan：https://seibukan-kobe.org/

Last night, Mr. Nakao and Ms. Akiko were working in the kitchen at Nadaya, but today they were in the dojo dressed in their gi and hakama.

Since it was Saturday, and because it was Mr. Nakao’s class, nearly three times as many students gathered compared to yesterday. The moment I spotted a familiar face—Mr. I—I felt a wave of relief.

〜A vibrant season of learning with friends from around the world〜

Here is the third installment of the 2026 seminar information led by Nebi Vural Sensei from Türkiye.

A total of 31 seminars are scheduled for 2026, making it an exceptionally active year.
To make the information easier to follow, we are introducing them in four parts, each covering a three month period.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Büşra.akdoğan, who has been continuously supporting us since the launch of Aikido Travel by sharing the latest updates on Nebi Vural Sensei. Thank you once again for your warm and ongoing support.

We would like to inform you of the following changes to the instructors in charge of classes at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo.

Effective April 2026, the class instructors will be reassigned as outlined below.

Details of the Changes

*Tue.　REGULAR CLASS　17:30～18:30、19:00～20:00

OSAWA HAYATO SHIHAN → FUJIMAKI HIROSHI SHIHAN

*Thu.　REGULAR CLASS 　17:30～18:30、19:00～20:00

KOBAYASHI YUKIMITSU　SHIHAN → IRIE YOSHINOBU SHIHAN

*Fri.　REGULAR CLASS 15:00～16:00

SEKI SHOJI SHIHAN → OYAMA YUJI SHIHAN

https://aikikai.or.jp/eng/news/detail/?news_id=556

When we walked up to the third floor where the dojo is located, the cheerful voices of children filled the air. Mr. I was teaching with an even warmer smile than usual, guiding the kids with gentle care.

Since it was our first visit, there weren’t many places to observe from, so we quietly took a seat at the very back of the dojo, where the bags were placed.I was truly glad we arrived on time—coming too early might have disrupted the class.

The dojo has a dome-shaped ceiling and wooden interior throughout, giving it a warm, embracing atmosphere. I fell in love with it immediately.

In New Zealand’s children’s classes, it’s not unusual to see kids running around or doing their own thing instead of listening to the instructor. But here, the children enjoyed themselves freely while still paying close attention to Mr. I’s instructions.