Great Aikidokas Visit Kenya

Thursday, February 18, 2016 to Saturday, February 20, 2016 saw a once in a lifetime aikido seminar and workshop take place in Kenya. It was the first time since aikido was introduced in Kenya (October 16th 2009) that the Hombu dojo in Japan sent over instructors to Kenya.

Kanazawa Takeshi Shihan and Tokuda Masaya Shidoin conducted the Gashuku hosted by the Japan embassy in Kenya and attended by the aikido enthusiasts in Kenya including the hosts Nairobi Aikikai, Sagana's All Saints High School, Githumu boys High School among others.

The final day of the Gashuku was graced by the Japan Ambassador in Kenya H.E Tatsushi Terada who stressed on the importance of sports corporation among the two countries.

....this aikido demonstration and workshop is a part of sports for tomorrow's programme....
-Ambassador Tatsushi Terada-

Speaking through a translator, Kanazawa Takeshi Shihan stressed the importance of the uke in the practice of aikido in the dojo.  'A good uke'  he said  'should be able to blend in the technique so that the two can conduct the technique flawlessly during training....'

"....Aikido isn't something you only understand with your mind, but something you feel with your heart." - Kanazawa Takeshi Shihan.




L-R Toshiyuki Kitayama (Sandan), Kanazawa Takeshi (Shichidan) and Tokuda Masaya (Yondan)




Some members of the hosts Nairobi Aikikai
L-R Sammy Mwakio and Aguta Onsando (3rd kyu) Ben Kiyaga and Dan Areba (1st Kyu)



L-R Mr Nakamura (Japan Embassy) Sammy Mwakio, Aguta Onsando, H.E Tatsushi Terada (Japan Ambassador to Kenya)
Kanazawa Takeshi, Ben Kiyaga, Tokuda Masaya and Dan Areba