During the last week of March the 6 people from Kiev, Ukraine's Kiyokan Dojo arrived. Andriy Sensei has been to Japan a few times, but for Inna, Alexey, Konstantin, Sergii, and Oleg it was there first time. Everyone trained consistently, averaging 3 classes/day(that's including the early morning 6am class, which required them leaving their hotel at 5am).
On June 5th, Sergii tested and passed his 3kyu test. Unfortunately due to his work, the following Monday Sergii had to return home to Ukraine. But 3rd time visitor to Ryu, Boris Kogan, soon arrived in Japan to take Sergii's place at the Jimbocho Sakura hotel (thanks to Ishida -san).
From June 1st, Martin and Jan from the Boyokan Dojo in Czech had been training along with us. Although they were staying at Hotta Sensei's house they still made it to all the classes and ate lunch with us everyday. Now both Martin and Jan are doing a little sightseeing before returning to Czech this Sunday.
Last Saturday after regular training 3 people tested. Congratulations to Oleg and Martin for passing there shodan.
Sunday June 21st, we had a sayonara party for all the June visitors (the pics throughout this post). Ando Sensei presented his calligraphy for both Alexey's Towa Dojo and the Czech's Boyokan Dojo.
Adding to the loneliness, Ando Sensei and Hotta Sensei left on Tuesday for a week of seminars throughout Southern Ontario, Canada. Thursday in Windsor at the Seikokan (Mark Lemmon Sensei), Friday at the Aikido London Dojo (Ashley Hennessey), and Saturday and Sunday in Barrie at the Hiryukan (Stephen Ohlman Sensei). We hope everyone enjoys the training!
I guess for this short time I should just enjoy the quiet. Soon enough Sensei will return, and so will the visitors. In July we are expecting Eddy (England), followed by Lou (France), then Gaby (Germany) in August, and Francoise(England) in September.
For more information on coming to Ryu Dojo for a Gasshuku, please see the website and contact us by phone/fax or email.
Jim Dawes
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