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In March 2023, Novi Sad was the focal point of a significant event in the world of martial arts – a series of seminars and gatherings featuring Tendoryu Aikido, a Japanese martial art celebrated for its ethos of peace and harmony. The project, spearheaded by the respected Kenta Shimizu, son of the renowned Sensei Kenji Shimizu, aimed to promote Aikido as a tool for fostering understanding among people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This initiative was further expanded with another seminar in Berlin, led by Milan Velickovic, underlining the international scope of the project.

The seminar in Novi Sad, graced by Kenta Shimizu, stood out for its exceptional reception. It attracted a multitude of participants from various countries, including Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and the Netherlands. This diverse attendance showcased Tendoryu Aikido’s universal appeal and its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, uniting people under the shared banner of martial arts. The success of the seminar was a clear indication that people from different cultures and backgrounds can communicate effectively and understand each other through Aikido.

Tendoryu Aikido, known for its synthesis of physical discipline and philosophical depth, was presented not just as a martial art, but as a means of peaceful conflict resolution and personal development. The seminars provided a comprehensive experience, combining rigorous physical training with insights into the philosophical underpinnings of Aikido. This approach resonated deeply with the participants, highlighting the art form’s relevance in contemporary society and its potential to contribute to personal and communal harmony.

In addition to the adult seminars, special attention was given to training sessions for children at the Seiunkan dojo in Novi Sad. These sessions were tailored to instill values such as discipline, respect, and the principles of peaceful conflict resolution in young minds. By introducing children to these concepts at an early age, the initiative aimed to lay a foundation for a future generation that is more attuned to the ideals of peace, respect, and mutual understanding.

A particularly memorable aspect of the program was the Aikido demonstration at Novi Sad’s Cultural Station Egyseg. This event, specifically organized for children from Japan and Novi Sad, became a vivid embodiment of the project’s theme, “Harmony of Diversities.” The demonstration was more than just a display of Aikido techniques; it was a powerful illustration of how people from diverse cultural backgrounds can come together, learn from each other, and build a shared understanding through the practice of Aikido. The event was further enhanced by the performance of mezzo-soprano Jelena Koncar, a Tendoryu Aikido practitioner whose beautiful voice symbolized the harmonious blending of different cultures and backgrounds.

The success of the seminars, particularly the well-attended event in Novi Sad, highlighted the potential of Aikido as a significant tool for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. It demonstrated that martial arts could be more than just a physical or recreational activity; they can be a medium for bridging cultural divides and fostering a spirit of global community.

Looking towards the future, the impact of this initiative is substantial. The enthusiastic response and diverse participation in the seminars suggest a growing interest in using martial arts, like Tendoryu Aikido, as a platform for cultural and interpersonal exchange. By bringing together people from various cultural backgrounds and enabling them to engage in a shared activity, the project has laid a foundation for a more inclusive and understanding global community.

Moreover, the project has set a valuable precedent for future initiatives that aim to unite people from diverse backgrounds. The success of the seminars in creating a space where cultural differences were not just acknowledged but celebrated, paves the way for similar events in other disciplines and contexts. It shows that when people are given the opportunity to interact and learn from each other in a respectful and open environment, barriers to language and culture.

In essence, the Tendoryu Aikido seminars and associated events in Novi Sad and Berlin represent a significant step forward in the world of martial arts and cultural exchange. They have shown that martial arts can be a powerful catalyst for bringing people together and fostering understanding and respect among diverse communities. The principles of Aikido, with their emphasis on trust, harmony, respect, and peaceful conflict resolution, have been demonstrated to be universally applicable and valuable, regardless of cultural background.

This initiative, therefore, is not just a milestone in the promotion of Tendoryu Aikido but also a beacon of hope for a more harmonious and interconnected world. It stands as a testament to the power of martial arts in breaking down barriers and building bridges between people from different walks of life. As such, it offers invaluable insights and inspiration for future endeavors aiming to use cultural and sporting activities as a means for fostering global understanding and peace.

The journey undertaken through these Aikido seminars is a reminder that in a world often divided by differences, there are activities like Aikido that can unite us, teaching us to embrace and celebrate our diversities.

清水健太