Aikido summer school held
JOBURG - The Aikido Federation of South Africa held its annual summer school at Wits University aikido dojo.
In attendance was Sensei Paul de Beer, who is the highest ranking aikidoist in Africa and one of the founders of this martial art in the country. Sensei Mutsuko Minegishi and Sensei Franco Martufi who are highly regarded worldwide as teachers of the martial art were also there.
The federation’s spokesperson, Helen MacKenzie said Minegishi’s visit was highly anticipated. MacKenzie said, “The 73-year-old instructor has great flexibility and power. She brought a vital energy to the art and spread her love for the practice, in particular to the young children whom she always makes the time to train.”
She said Martufi from Italy had a close custodial relationship with the South African federation and has contributed greatly to its technical excellence and growth. “His mentorship and support is highly valued and his bi-annual visits are always a highlight of the aikido calendar.”
Aikido is a Japanese martial art which focuses on the cultivation of peace through non-violent active conflict resolution through movement. MacKenzie added that it was about learning to blend with the energy of an attack. “An aikido practitioner effortlessly neutralises the threat, bringing a stabilised harmony to both the attacker and themselves.”
The federation has thriving dojos all around the country and each year the number of South Africans interested in practising this art increases.
Details: aikido@mweb.co.za or www.aikido.co.za.
