[Aikido × Travel] Kochi Aikido Seminar: Training with Friends from Across Shikoku! Day 3 Report
Today was the long-awaited seminar led by Suganuma Sensei.
The seminar was scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM, so after enjoying a relaxed breakfast at the hotel with A-san, we each spent the morning freely. While we stayed in to check on some work, A-san—who was returning home the next morning—kindly went to the station to pick up the airport bus timetable.
Her thoughtfulness is always appreciated. Thank you, A-san.
The seminar venue, Kochi Prefectural Budokan, was about 2 kilometers from the Comfort Hotel Kochi where we stayed. Although taking the bus was an option, the weather was lovely and we wanted to stop by Kochi Castle along the way—so we decided to walk.
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We left around noon, giving ourselves plenty of time before the meeting time.
As always, Google Maps was our trusty companion, guiding us along the way. Exploring a new city on foot is always a joy. We passed a park, spotted a winged goddess statue atop a building near a high school, and eventually arrived at Kochi Park, home to Kochi Castle.
Being a Sunday, there were a fair number of tourists around, but it wasn’t overly crowded. A-san had visited before, so she kindly guided me toward the castle.
She said, “It takes time to go all the way up,” but since we had a little time, we climbed as far as we could. Unfortunately, the castle walls blocked our view, and we couldn’t get a good photo despite being so close.
From Kochi Park, the Budokan was just a short walk away. Respecting A-san’s wish to arrive early, we reached the venue 40 minutes before the seminar began.
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Inside, we were greeted by participants already dressed in their dogi. After introducing ourselves, they immediately recognized us.
Mike had trained at this dojo many years ago, and he tried speaking with someone who had been there at the time. “I kind of remember you… but maybe not,” they said.
It’s understandable—it’s been over 20 years.
The dojo was laid out with pink and yellow sports mats, giving it a cheerful, almost floral atmosphere. As I changed in the women’s dressing room, more and more participants arrived.
Before the seminar started, Mike reunited with someone who remembered him well, along with a friend they used to train with.
“Long time no see.”
Their smiles were filled with nostalgia, bridging the years that had passed.
As the seminar was about to begin, Suganuma Sensei arrived. The organizer kindly introduced us to him. We also reunited with Yasumitsu Sensei, who had welcomed us at Nakamura Dojo two days earlier, and that helped ease our nerves.
The seminar began with warm-up exercises led by Sensei’s assistant. Then we moved into techniques. Sensei carefully demonstrated the basics and walked around the dojo, offering guidance to each participant.
“Since you’re here…”
With those kind words, Sensei approached me directly, performed a technique, and offered personal instruction.
About halfway through, we had a break. When I returned to the dressing room, I saw several women preparing tea for Sensei.
“Please, help yourself,” they said warmly.
I learned they had brought everything from home—such kindness and care.
Back in the dojo, I was surprised to see Mike sitting with Sensei, sharing tea.
When I asked about it, he said, “He invited me to join.”
He added, “While training, a few people said, ‘Oh, it’s you! I remember now.’”
Even if faces fade with time, memories of training together remain. For an aikidoka, there’s nothing more heartwarming.
After the break, the seminar continued at a gentle pace. At the end, Sensei opened the floor for questions.
“I’m not sure how to do the proper ‘funakogi’ movement,” someone asked.
Sensei pointed to me and asked, “How do they do it at Hombu?”
Everyone turned to look, and I felt a wave of nervousness.
“All methods are correct,” Sensei explained, gently affirming the diversity of practice.
After the seminar, we gave Sensei a souvenir we had bought at Haneda Airport. He spoke with us kindly, and just as he was about to leave, he turned back and said:
“Please continue practicing Aikido with strength and spirit.”
His words were so powerful, I felt a chill of inspiration run through me.
To receive such thoughtful instruction, and to be gifted words that resonate through the body and soul—this seminar was truly a blessing.
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👉 Next up: [Aikido × Travel] Kochi Aikido Seminar – A Joyful Gathering After Training (Day 3, Evening Edition)