【Aikido × Travel】Three Days, Two Nights in Kobe! Training at Seibukan (Day 2)
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.
Mr. Nakao’s movements embody aikido itself: receiving the partner’s flow naturally and guiding it seamlessly into technique.
Even though it was still morning, the temperature had already climbed past 35°C, and the dojo was extremely hot. He kindly gave us frequent breaks and encouraged us to drink water, but the moment I drank, it immediately turned into sweat.
Despite the heat, I stayed focused and found myself remembering the days when the Hombu Dojo didn’t have air conditioning. Pushing through until the very end brought that unmistakable feeling of exhilaration. It was wonderful.
Thank you again for another excellent practice today.
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After training, they had arranged a special lunch gathering for us.
Since both my gi and my body were drenched in sweat, I took a quick shower and felt refreshed before heading to the restaurant Mr. Nakao frequents.
We were guided to the third floor, where we removed our shoes and sat at the tables. There were seats for four and eight people, and with the children included, there were thirteen of us in total. Since it was a special occasion, we toasted with beer even though it was still early in the day.
I sat with my New Zealand friend G, joining Mr. Nakao and Ms. Akiko. It was G’s first time in Japan, and being such a good conversationalist, he asked the teacher one question after another. I translated each one, so it was a bit busy, but sharing that time and hearing their stories was truly precious. We talked about aikido, Seibukan, and even how he and Akiko first met.
Just like yesterday, we enjoyed whale bacon again today.
Fresh blue-backed fish are rare in New Zealand, so I think this was a special experience for them as well.
Feeling pleasantly tipsy and full, we wrapped up the lunch gathering.
Tomorrow, we’ll be joining the zazen session starting at 8:30 a.m.
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The New Zealand group planned to go sightseeing afterward, so we returned to the hotel, washed our gi, and then walked to Asahi Onsen.
Asahi Onsen: https://hyogo1010.com/sento_list/kobe-asahionsen/
There were several baths with different temperatures, and I would have loved to soak longer, but we had dinner plans with the group, so we reluctantly got out.
They wanted to visit a highly rated curry restaurant that required taking the train, but that felt a bit troublesome. When I checked, I found a good place nearby, so I suggested, “If we go to the closer one, I’ll join you.” They agreed immediately.
I ordered curry with rice, while Mike chose curry with naan.
My body wasn’t ready for more beer after sobering up, but the others were different—they drank with impressive enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but admire their stamina!
Tomorrow we’ll head to the dojo after checking out of the hotel, so we decided to call it an early night.
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Next time: “【Aikido × Travel】Three Days, Two Nights in Kobe! Final Day”