10-15/10-23 2003
One hour by plane, east of the capitol city of Prague is the city of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Ostrava is home to an outstanding group of Aikidoka. This group is organized by the Ostrava Police Department under the supervision of Police Captin Kamil Kozak.
This program is an important resource for the Ostrava community as a place where residents young and old can go to train in the martial arts. Including the children’s program there are over three hundred students that practice at this facility. Three hundred police cadets in training also receive instruction here. For the many young adults that practice here, this is a positive place for physical and mental training.
Homma Kancho instructed at a three day seminar here in Ostrava, and all attending students practiced with diligence, skill and enthusiasm. This year, students and instructors also attended from Poland and Austria as well. As the space was limited, the number of students was limited to about one hundred. Next year we hope to move the event to a larger venue, so that more students can be accommodated.
This year as well as last, seminar arrangements were made by Daniel Sousedik and his wife Hana. As always, they were gracious hosts, and the trip was most enjoyable. Many thanks for all of their time and efforts.
Homma Kancho was accompanied by AHAN President Emily Busch and assistants. Because of the value of the programs offered by Ostrava Aikidoka to the local community, AHAN (Nippon Kan’s Aikido Humanitarian Active Network, sponsored this seminar by providing for Homma Kancho and staffs airfare and other expenses. Homma Kancho also donated all teaching gratuity back to the dojo to be used for other youth programs.
Homma Kancho offers his reflections on this trip in an article he has written titled “Keiko gis and Weapons Cases”.
Emily Busch
AHAN President.
10-29-03
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |