The Seminar by S. Sugano Shihan was a three-day affair that took place in MPPJ Sports Complex, Kelana Jaya, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by the Malaysia Aikido Association (MAA), the seminar started on the 22nd of July and ended on the 24th.

Group photo taken with S. Sugano Shihan after the 2 days seminar

Aikido Shinju-kai group, consisting of 16 people, left for Kuala Lumpur on the 21st of July. Upon arrival at the Kuala Lumpur Central Station, we were greeted by Dr. Leong Kok Weng from the MAA and some of his members. They bundled us into their cars for the trip to our hotel. There we rested, and got ready for the demonstration that was to take place at 8.00pm.

The MAA started off the demonstration, followed by representatives from Australia and Indonesia. I was up next, with Wayne Yim and Trevor Ellis as my trusty ukes. The demonstration ended in a grand finale with S. Sugano Shihan taking to the mat. All of us adjourned for a delightful supper after that.

The next day was slightly hectic, with two training sessions in the morning to early afternoon, followed by a lunch buffet and one more training session in the evening. The day after was pretty much the same, with one training session taking place in the morning and evening.
A farewell dinner was held on the last day of the seminar, after an enthusiastic morning workout. We returned to Singapore on the 25th of July, bringing back with us warm memories of the trip. It was truly an enriching experience.

By Instructor Kelly Tan.