Fundraising
Seminar for Children with Cancer in Mexico
November 7-10, 2003
Title This smile is the benefit that is best of all.
Children at the closing ceremony with
Founder Dr. Tanaka and his wife Yoko-san.
Nippon Kan AHAN
(Aikido Humanitarian Active Network) in conjunction
with Mexico Aikido Take Musu Aiki, hosted a fundraising seminar
in Mexico City this past November 7-10, 2003. The seminar was
held to raise funds for the Casa de la Amistad, a facility dedicated
to tending the needs of children with cancer in Mexico. The seminar,
held at the Tecnologico de Monterrey University Campus was heralded
as a “new direction for Aikido” for its scope and
vision. In the history of Aikido in Mexico, this was the first
seminar
that has been held to raise funds for local community enrichment.
 Fernando Roman Sensei |
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 Rocio Aguero Sensei |
The seminar was unique in many ways. To name a few, it was unique because 1. The seminar was hosted by an independent dojo. 2. Attending students were instructors and students from other independent dojos from many parts of Mexico. 3. The purpose of the seminar was to raise funds for local community enrichment. 4. The seminar was a tool to raise respect and understanding for Aikidoists in the Mexico community. 5. The seminar acted as a vehicle to cement friendships between the independent dojo instructors and students present, and many more.
About one hundred adult aikidoka and thirty youth attended the three day event. The opening ceremony was attended by guests from the University administration, and staff members of the Casa de la Amistad. The opening speeches were followed by ceremonial Mexican dances performed by children and young adults in traditional costume. The dancing was festive, and set an energetic and happy tone for the seminar to follow. From Friday night to Sunday afternoon, Homma Kancho taught positive, dynamic and inspirational classes that were thoroughly enjoyed be everyone who attended.
 Traditional Mexican dancers at opening ceremony. |
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 Question and Answer session with students and Kancho. |
 Taking off hakama to teach footwork. |
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 Enjoying practice with the children. |
 Playing “Gagaku” at closing ceremony. |
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At the closing ceremony, the Founder of Casa de la Amistad, Dr. Tanaka and his wife Yoko were in attendance. Some of the children from the center also attended the ceremony. There presence was touching, and reminded all of us just why we were there that day. Fernando Roman Sensei and Rocio Aguero Sensei led the presentation ceremony with a monetary donation raised by the semimar along with gifts of food and other needed supplies. Homma Kancho also made a donation from AHAN headquarters in Denver, Colorado. All students were recognized for their achievement by receiving a certificate of achievement for attending the seminar, and all visiting instructors were acknowledged for their attendance.
The seminar ended as it had began; with music. This time in closing, the music started traditional Japanese music, Gagaku. This was followed by traditional and modern music of Mexico which included ancient Aztec rhythms played on a variety of drums and other percussion instruments. To read the article written about this event by Homma Kancho, “A New Direction for Aikido” click here.
Casa de la Amistad Founder Dr. Tanaka and children from the center. Behind: his wife, Mrs. Yoko Tanaka
Mexico Aikido Take Musu Aiki, as a new member of AHAN took giant steps in these few short days to set a new direction for Aikido in Mexico. We look forward to working together to further this project in the future.
Mexico staff working hard From left; Wimmer, Jose’s wife, and Jose.
Related Articles:
Visit to the Casa de la Amistad
My Impressions of the AHAN Fundraising Seminar in Mexico City.