Cognard Hanshi and the team responsible for overseeing the renovation of the Kumatori Dojo.
Mission Accomplished: Our Dojo in Japan
Mission accomplished. After overcoming numerous administrative obstacles, our school finally has a dojo—its own dojo in Japan.
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who contributed financially to this project. Your support was decisive.
I would also like to thank Watanabe Shosei Shihan and Watanabe Kayoko Shihan, who worked with admirable perseverance to overcome, one by one, the barriers imposed by the Japanese administration, whose meticulousness is well known.
Another person provided us with invaluable assistance: Mrs. Kusumoto, the director of the real estate agency that sold us the dojo. Her role extended far beyond her normal responsibilities. She intervened at every level to help us deal with the many complications involved in a project such as ours.
She handled legal matters concerning the organization representing 3AKH in Japan, introduced us to the key individuals involved in the registration process, and showed infinite patience in the face of the delays and hesitations of our bank. She has become the driving force behind 3AKH in Kumatori, introducing us to local political leaders and actively supporting the overall development of our organizations.
Simply put, she fought for us with incredible energy, as if this project were her own. Our deepest thanks to her.
I would also like to thank 3AKH President Huet Shihan for his rigor, commitment, and steadfastness. Even when things become difficult, he is always there, ready to face challenges. Long ago, I learned that some people create problems while others solve them. Huet Shihan has always been among those who solve them.
Finally, another heartfelt thank you to Jose Cadeddu, who works quietly, discreetly, yet effectively.
The First Seminars at the Dojo
The first seminars to be held in the dojo will take place in November: an Aikishintaiso seminar before the inauguration ceremony, which, as previously announced, will take place on November 21, followed immediately by an Aikiken seminar.
I have limited participation to approximately thirty people for Aikishintaiso and twenty for Aikido because, although the dojo is considered large by Japanese standards, its floor area remains relatively modest.
Please register as soon as possible so that we can anticipate the needs and make the necessary arrangements. If the number of registration requests clearly exceeds these limits, I will consider organizing two four-hour sessions per day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—divided according to level.
To make this decision, I need you to register quickly.
=> Full information here <=
Kumatori: An Ideal Setting
Kumatori is a town in the Osaka metropolitan area, located very close to Kansai International Airport. It offers all the conveniences of urban life while being immediately surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Accommodation is easy to find. Numerous hotels offer very affordable rates within a reasonable distance of the dojo.
A Historic Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony will be an extraordinary gathering.
Register in large numbers—and register soon. Places are limited.
Expect some excellent surprises. The inauguration of such a place in Japan offers a unique opportunity to meet distinguished Japanese personalities and to experience an intense moment where tradition and modernity come together.
Be among those who will one day be able to say : “I was there!”
We will also be giving demonstrations to showcase the unique characteristics of our Aikido and the excellence of your technical level.
Official Recognition in Japan
The Dai Nippon Kobayashi Hirokazu Ryu Aikido Shinko Kiko has become an officially recognized nonprofit organization in Japan (Ippan Shadan Hojin).
It also bears the official name Autonomous Academy of Aikido Japan.
One of its two presidents, Watanabe Shihan, together with its other president, Cognard Hanshi, look forward to welcoming you to this event, which will remain a landmark in the history of Japanese budo.