March 2023: Adrian Munteanu Sensei's trip to Romania

"I took a trip to Musubi Dojo Cluj, headquarter of Romanian Aikikai Aikido Foundation, to see a very special teacher: Yukimitsu Kobayashi Sensei. Remarkably, over 250 people stepped on the tatami on this occasion.

What a great seminar taught by Kobayashi Sensei! The three days were very intensive as we practised at the pace they do in Japan. Nobody speaks on the mat, and it is advisable to forget about any physical strength. On the contrary, students need both physical and mental relaxation to be able to get through the many hours of training each day. Kobayashi Sensei covered a lot of basic techniques that were great to revisit. He re-emphasised the importance of body movement and foot-work, the general attitude and correct posture when dealing with an attack, how to make contact and maintain the connection with our partner. Kobayashi Sensei pays attention to every single detail in the application of the technique. Fresh beginner or black belt, we all had the chance to learn by feeling it, receiving a throw or an immobilisation on the ground. And rarely to see it, but Kobayashi Sensei is literally sweating side by side with his students. After 3 years of Covid, it was good also to meet up again and train with old friends who travelled from different parts or Romania, but also from Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, and Moldova. Many thanks, Sensei. I’m looking forward to meeting you again here in England, in the summer. I can also see what an incredible amount of effort is needed to organise these important aikido events. A big thank you to Dorin Marchis Sensei and RAAF aikidoka for doing such an amazing job! Domo Arigato Gozaimashita