Senior Aikido Sensei Travels To Malta To Commemorate 30 Years Of The Martial Art
The Japanese martial art of Aikido celebrated its 30th anniversary in Malta over the weekend of May 13th.
This milestone event was marked by the visit of Jun Nomoto Shihan (7th Dan), a senior master of Aikido from Japan, who conducted a special seminar and gradings for senior practitioners.
Nomoto Sensei, an early disciple of Aikido and an active member of the Aikikai Foundation, traveled specifically from Tokyo, Japan, to commemorate this occasion.
The seminar held during the weekend proved to be a significant moment for Aikido practitioners in Malta. Kevin Taksha Bonanno, the founder and resident instructor of Aikikai Malta, achieved a remarkable feat by being tested and promoted to 4th Dan (fourth-degree black belt) by Nomoto Shihan.
This achievement marks the highest known level of Aikido reached solely through training in Malta.
The seminar and commemorative event were organised by Aikikai Malta, recognised as Malta’s only Aikido school in 2018 after a delegation of seven Aikido masters, led by Jun Nomoto Shihan, visited from Aikikai Japan to assess its technical standards.
This recognition solidified Aikikai Malta’s position as a reputable institution dedicated to promoting and teaching the art of Aikido on the island.
Aikido, often referred to as the “Art of Peace,” is characterised by its graceful yet deceptively powerful techniques. It evolved as a means of countering aggression by redirecting an attacker’s energy and utilising pins, locks, and throws.
Aikido harnesses the natural and flowing movements of the body, applying them to mental and physical techniques to neutralise violent aggression. Unlike many other martial arts, Aikido emphasises self-defense without causing harm and is non-competitive in nature.
The 30th-anniversary celebration of Aikido in Malta, highlighted by the seminar conducted by Jun Nomoto Shihan and the promotion of Kevin Taksha Bonanno to 4th Dan, signifies the growth and dedication of the Maltese Aikido community.
Through their continued practice and passion for the art, they contribute to the promotion of harmony, self-defense, and personal growth in the martial arts landscape of Malta.
Aikikai Malta offers regular weekly Aikido practice sessions in Ħamrun and welcomes participants of all levels. For those interested in joining, a new beginners’ course is scheduled to begin in June.
Aikikai Malta can be contacted at 9989 9733. Additional information can also be found on their Facebook page.
Do you think you could benefit by taking up martial arts?
READ NEXT: Maltese Olive Oil Bidni Claims Platinum Award At London's International Competition
