Aikido Gang

Aji has been joining Aikido in Yokohama Universiy Dojo since he arrived in Japan. The majority members of the dojo are Japanase except Helena (Rumanian who married to a Japanese), Alexe (Uzbekistan), Jamu (Uzbekistan), Azrina (Malaysian),Khoa (Vietanamese) and aji. But something about this dojo is that they are solid and become like a family. They went out together for Hanabi (firework) festival , went on vacation to the Yumigahama Beach during the summer, and many other gatherings. They usually have dinner together after the examination . Sometimes the sensei invited them for a barberque in his house in Kurihama.

Last Friday is the most important day for aji as it is the last chance for aji to take the examination before leaving Japan (the exam takes place only every 6 months). After the hard exam, they went for dinner with the two senseis. It took place at a traditional Japanase restaurant near Keikyu Kurihama station and the food was... you bet yummmy! Sashimi and oden!

It turns out that two days earlier was Kei's birthday!!! (oops sorry we missed your birthday, Kei)
Let us put a note here to remind some readers about Kei. He was the one who waited for all night long during Akira's delivery. Wisnu and Aji spent the night at his apato because it was 2 already o'clock in the morning and there was no subway operating. Kei made time to visit Akira and Ibu everyday at the hospital and always brought caramel pudding or some other snacks (he said that breasfeeding mother needs a lot of energy!). Kei also was the one who helped Aji pick Ibu and Akira up at the hospital. The most special thing is that Kei's mother made extra effort giving jimbe for Wisnu and Akira. So Kei is the apple of our hearts!

Aji had a chance to take picture with the 83-year-old 9th dan sensei- Tarada Sensei. Look at him ! He looks younger than his age. He is the one with the highest rank in Yoshinkan Aikido.

So if aji passes this exam, it means the black belt will be at hand --eventhough if aji gets back to Indonesia he has to start from the blue belt again. Because the style aji is learning now in Japan is different from the one he learned in Indonesia. Somehow aji says it's not the belt that matters most but the philosophy of Aikido and basic techniques which require time to internalize!