While intense heat continues across many regions, Tokyo has enjoyed relatively mild temperatures, and we are already beginning to feel hints of autumn in the air.

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 November, along with newly added events.

✔ Aikido Seminar

On October 27th, we met in the morning and headed to Lednice Castle.

Japan also has many castles, but their structure and atmosphere are completely different. And since Mike’s home country, New Zealand, doesn’t have a “castle culture” at all, both of us were absolutely fascinated by European castles.

Lednice Castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “The Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape” in southern Czechia. Once used as a summer residence by the Liechtenstein family, it features elegant English-style Neo Gothic architecture and vast, beautifully maintained gardens.

I couldn’t help whispering,

“Wow… what a beautiful castle.”

The next morning, we headed to Brno, where T’s dojo is located.

We planned to stay there for two nights, enjoy some sightseeing, and train at his dojo. Since they had come by car, we were grateful to be able to ride along with them.

T is a big guy, and his car matches his size—large, sturdy, and perfect for long drives. He teaches Aikido at his own dojo from Monday to Friday, and on weekends he travels across Europe to participate in seminars. “Dedicated young martial artist” describes him perfectly.

During the drive, we stopped at a highway rest area for a short break.

I picked up a small donut and a drink called Kofola. According to T, it’s the Czech version of cola. It’s made with extracts from 14 kinds of herbs and fruits, plus licorice. Instead of an artificial sweetness, it has a gentle herbal flavor, a light sweetness, and refreshing carbonation—exactly the kind of taste I love.

The seminar venue and the restaurant for the social gathering were close enough to walk.

Following Google Maps, we were surprised when the route suddenly led into the forest. Unsure whether this could really be correct, we walked back and forth for a while—until other participants appeared behind us and kindly assured us, “Yes, that’s the right way.”

Once we passed through the dim forest, a quiet lake appeared, and beside it stood a restaurant. We had arrived safely.

Many people were already gathered, so we first secured seats for the two of us.

The meal fee had been paid in advance, but drinks were separate. The invitation had said “cash only,” though when we asked the organizer beforehand, he told us, “Cards should be fine.” In reality, however, only cash was accepted.

 I was relieved that I had brought some. My friend, who usually relies on cards, couldn’t pay—so I treated him to a beer to celebrate our reunion.