After two unusually hot Junes in Japan, this year’s rainy season has felt more typical—mild temperatures, plenty of humidity, yet surprisingly comfortable. Summer is always something to look forward to, though we can only hope the heat will be gentle this year.

Today, we are pleased to share the latest updates for the always-popular Aikikai Hombu Dojo Shihan Seminars. Below you will find information on the seminars scheduled for October, along with newly added events.

✔ Aikido Seminar

Date: July 11–12

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Instructor: Kuribayashi Takanori Shihan

Organizer: Vriesman Dojo

https://aikidotravel.com/seminar/2127/aikido-seminar

An international seminar will be held in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital known for its beautiful canals. Hosted at the renowned Vriesman Dojo, this two-day event offers a wonderful chance to enjoy the charm of this historic waterside city while connecting deeply with aikidoka from around the world.

★ Explore Popular Hotels in Amsterdam

As I followed the path up the stairs, the view opened up to reveal Prague’s beautiful cityscape, filled with rows of unified brick red rooftops.

Since it was the autumn season, the contrast with the colorful trees made the scenery even more striking.

A guard stood at the entrance, and once we stepped inside, a number of buildings spread out before us

“Is that the castle behind us?”

“This whole area is the castle. And that over there is St. Vitus Cathedral.”

From April to May, the Aiki Jinja Annual Grand Festival, the All Japan Aikido Demonstration, and several international seminars held in Japan brought many aikidoka from both within the country and abroad to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo. It was a lively and inspiring time, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to train together with so many wonderful practitioners.

Those who visit the Hombu Dojo regularly may already be familiar with the etiquette here, but for first time visitors, some customs may differ from those of your home dojo and feel a little unfamiliar.

The etiquette at Hombu Dojo is not posted on the walls; rather, it has been passed down carefully from member to member over many years. Below are a few points that may be helpful.

【About Personal Appearance】 

・Women are asked to wear a white T shirt or tank top under the gi to ensure the chest area is not exposed. Since Aikido is practiced by people of all ages and genders, creating an environment where everyone can focus comfortably is important. We kindly ask men to be mindful of keeping the chest area covered. Choosing to wear a T-shirt underneath is a great option.

・All accessories should be removed. Just as jewelry is prohibited in martial arts competitions, this is an important measure to prevent injuries to yourself and your partner.

合気会本部道場では、4月から5月にかけて合気神社例大祭、全日本合気道演武大会、そして国内で開催された国際セミナーなどが続き、国内外から多くの合気道家の皆様がいらっしゃいました。いつも以上ににぎやかな雰囲気の中で、一緒に稽古をさせていただけたことに心から感謝しています。

何度も本部道場に来て稽古されている方々はすでに本部での礼儀をご存じかと思いますが、初めていらっしゃる方にとっては所属道場との違いに戸惑われることもあるかもしれません。
本部道場での礼儀は掲示されているものではなく、会員から会員へと受け継がれてきた大切な習慣です。ここでは、その一部を少しご紹介します。

【身だしなみについて】

・女性は道着の中に白いTシャツやタンクトップなどを着て、胸元が見えないように配慮します。合気道は老若男女がともに稽古を行うため、互いが集中できる環境づくりが大切です。男性も胸元が開きすぎないよう心掛け、Tシャツを着る方もいます。

・アクセサリー類はすべて外します。格闘技の試合でアクセサリーが禁止されているのと同じく、自分や相手を怪我から守るための大切な配慮です。