The Aikido department of the PSV inaugurated the new dojo in its own way with a special weekend workshop: under expert guidance, with old and new friends and lots of fun. We would like to thank first and foremost Sakabe Sensei for his perceptive, spirited instructions, Karl Kiening for the organisation, Aika for translating and everyone who was there for their dedication!

Rookies, more advanced practitioners and real experts - everyone had something to take home with them after these three days. Sakabe Sensei's main concern was to teach "friendly" aikido: devoid of brute force, relaxed and gentle. Many exercises in basic techniques were useful not just for the beginners, but as a reminder to intermediate students of the real essence of Aikido. It was certainly impressive to see the little elderly gentleman sending three big uke rolling across the mat at once with a friendly smile on his face, even if not all of us were able to replicate this!

Auch die Freunde von Bokken und Jo kamen auf ihre Kosten und wurden im Schnelldurchgang durch einige Katas geführt. Sakabe Sensei zeigte zahlreiche Techniken und Würfe, Aika übersetzte simultan, und ohne viel Gerede ging es ans Üben. Mit freundlichen Worten (auf japanisch, aber unterstützt durch lebhafte Mimik und praktisches Beispiel) ermutigte Sakabe Sensei alle Anwesenden, ihr Bestes zu geben.

As organisers, we were particularly pleased that not only aikidoka from PSV but also from surrounding dojos attended the workshop. We hope to be able to offer regular workshops at a high level in the future. And all of us, like Sakabe Sensei, bade goodbye to this sixth friendship workshop with a heartfelt "See you next year!".