July 4th -11th, 2012
Homma Kancho with representatives of each dojo in Bolivia
Homma Kancho returned to La Paz, Bolivia to teach a weekend seminar July 4th-11th, 2012. It was an interesting gathering of students from Bolivia and neighboring countries all whom practiced various styles of Aikido. The spirit of the seminar was harmonious however and all who participated enjoyed learning Nippon Kan Aikido originated by Homma Kancho. Homma Kancho said, “To become a gourmet you need to sample many different kinds of cooking. If you are not familiar with many styles of cooking it is difficult to discern what is truly delicious!”
Homma Kancho with Arturo
The city of La Paz, Bolivia
This was the second time Homma Kancho has come to visit us in Bolivia. The elevation at the airport in La Paz is 4000 meters and it is a common custom to bring a cylinder of oxygen to the airport when meeting guests! I brought a cylinder just in case, but Homma Kancho did not need it at all! Nippon Kan dojo in Denver is 1760 meters in elevation (about the same as the top of Mt. Fuji in Japan) so Homma Kancho was in fine shape for training with us at such a high altitude.
Welcome introductions
Homma Kancho with staff
Proceeds raised by the seminar were donated to buy powder milk, diaper, toys for the IDAI Home for Children and Teenagers with Disabilities and the Albergue Transitorio Chuquisaca Children’s Shelter. In addition, AHAN also contributed funds for continued support in 2012.
Homma Kancho, thank you for coming to Bolivia.
AHAN Bolivia Coordinator
Arturo Alvarez
Note from Homma Kancho
I want to express my appreciation and thanks to Arturo and also to Carlos for taking care of me during this visit and organizing the Aikido practices in La Paz. It is heartening for me to see people in Bolivia and other countries take their practice of Aikido seriously.
In general, during my travels I have found two types of Aikido practice. One is “Action Aikido” based on showy Hollywood movies and the other is based on traditional roots and fundamental principles. Many Aikidoka in the world today do not understand the fundaments of Budo Shugyo (traditional Japanese martial art practice) and for me this is a sad reality. Arturo and Carlos are making a great effort to teach traditional, principled Aikido in Bolivia. It is a challenge in Bolivia; there is a shortage of good Aikido instructors that will take time to develop.
The road built by the ancient Incas, 4000 meters high
From left: Arturo, Homma Kancho, Carlos
One day on my visit we drove up an ancient Incan road high up through the Andes Mountains. We stopped for a spectacular view of Lake Titikaka that we visited on my last visit to Bolivia. Someday I would like to ride a bicycle on this road!
Arturo and Carlos are lawyers in La Paz and are both assets to their community. Their dedication to developing Aikido and improving life in their community is inspiring to see. I thank you sincerely for your hospitality.
Gaku Homma
Nippon Kan Kancho