12th International Aikido Embu-kai, October 2, 2016

Igarashi-dojocho and Masahiro Irie participated in the 12th Aikido International Federation Congress last October 2 at the new arena near Takasaki station in Gunma prefecture.
 Despite being hotter than usual for an October day, the arena was packed with more than 1000 attendees from Japan and abroad.
Aikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba Sensei conducted a seminar in the morning, and demonstrations from the participating groups were performed in the afternoon.
Hombu Shihans demostrated, followed by the prefectural federations in Japan. Igarashi-dojocho and Irie demonstrated as part of the Kanagawa group. 
 All the instructors at the congress performed their Jiyu Waza-enbu after the demonstrations of the participating IAF member organizations.
 Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu Sensei closed the event with a magnificent demonstration.
 The farewell party was held at the Hotel Metropolitan in the Takasaki station building and more than 1000 people were present. Old acquaintances, local and foreign teachers gathered around Igarashi-dojocho to renew ties and exchange pleasantries while enjoying the beverages. The conversation was so enjoyable that we almost missed the dinner.
The 2 hour party ended too quickly. We look forward to the next congress four years from now.¡¡

(Masahiro Irie ; IGARASHI DOJO Shidoin)