2021 : A retrospection
by Stefan
2021 turned out to be more difficult for our dojo than 2020. That was something I surely didn´t expect when the year started. One of our two training locations, 27 Yard, has been closed for the better part of the year. During the summer months, we could practise weapons in Ditan Park, like we did the year before. But when the nights became cold in autumn, weapons training outside was no longer possible. In addition to that, our second training location in Haidian also closed down for several weeks during October and November, so during this period our training came to a standstill. Right now, we have resumed training in the Haidian dojo and practise there twice a week, but 27 Yard remains closed.
Training in the Haidian dojo
Under these circumstances, we had to cancel our second grading test which was planned for November (the first took place in June). And for the second year, we were unable to organize our annual seminar with Takase Shihan.
So, all in all, the situation did not look very rosy this year. It is good to see that most of our students are doing their best to keep up with the training. And of course, there were some bright sides as well:
First, the training in the Aikido Club at Peking University Middle School did not only continue uninterrupted, but the group grew from 6 to 16 members. I am very happy to see that the new students have a lot of fun learning Aikido and have made incredible progress since they joined in September.
So, all in all, the situation did not look very rosy this year. It is good to see that most of our students are doing their best to keep up with the training. And of course, there were some bright sides as well:
First, the training in the Aikido Club at Peking University Middle School did not only continue uninterrupted, but the group grew from 6 to 16 members. I am very happy to see that the new students have a lot of fun learning Aikido and have made incredible progress since they joined in September.
The Aikido Club of Peking University Middle School
One of the highlights this year was the seminar with Papu Siameja Sensei, instructor from Shinryukan New Zealand, on June 26th in Tianjin. We had the chance to meet Yu Zhen Sensei and his students and spent a great day with them. At the end of July, Papu Sensei came to Beijing for a couple of days and taught a class in our dojo.This is another happy memory of 2021.
In Tianjin with Papu Sensei and members of Shinryukan Tianjin
Class with Papu Sensei in 27 Yard
In October, we had our annual promotion event at Renmin University. Some new students signed up, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic restrictions university students were not allowed to leave the campus for several weeks in October and November, so they were unable to attend classes in our dojo. Instead, we practised weapons on the campus during this time, and it was a lot of fun, too.
Weapons class in Renmin University
Another very nice memory this year was the Aikido seminar on November 28th, organized by Guandaoshu dojo. Eight of our students and myself attended the seminar; it was the first time in almost two years that we had the opportunity to meet Aikidokas from other dojos in Beijing on the mats and practise with them. It was a great feeling, and during that day I once more realized how much I miss these contacts with the Aikido community. So many thanks go to Guandaoshu and Wang Jialin Sensei for organizing this event!
At the Aikido seminar organized by Guandaoshu dojo
So what about the outlook for 2022? I can only hope that the new year will finally see the end of the pandemic, and that life in general, in the Aikido community and in our dojo will return to normal. Let´s keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best!
Actually, 2022 will mark the 20th anniversary of Beijing Shinryukan. We were planning to organize a special anniversary seminar with Takase Shihan, but as it looks now, the seminar is not very likely to happen.
Many thanks to all my students for their support! For 2022, I wish everyone good health, happiness and joy of life!
Actually, 2022 will mark the 20th anniversary of Beijing Shinryukan. We were planning to organize a special anniversary seminar with Takase Shihan, but as it looks now, the seminar is not very likely to happen.
Many thanks to all my students for their support! For 2022, I wish everyone good health, happiness and joy of life!