KUCHING: A total of 14 deshi (students) of Sekishin Aikido Dojo at Jalan Kulas here passed their upgrading tests, recently.
Aikido is a martial arts originating from Japan that is defensive in nature and allows its practitioners to attack without being offensive or use any weapon.
The dojo now has a total of 30 deshi and seven Sensei (teachers) who are very experienced in Aikido and have even represented Malaysia in many martial arts conventions in Japan.
Shidoin or the Dojo Leader, Mohamad Sula Haji Yusop is one of the more experienced Sensei at the Dojo has recently acquired his fifth ‘dan’ rank in Aikido.
“We test our students here with many techniques. They will start at sixth ‘kyu’ and will advance to first ‘kyu’.
“Those who have reached first kyu will then be tested to obtain the black belt in Aikido. If they succeeded, they will then upgrade their rank from kyu to dan,” said Sula when interviewed.
According to Sula, it will take many years of training for one deshi to reach the dan rank. Upon receiving the rank, they will also receive a ‘passport’ that will allow them to fly to Japan to represent Malaysia in Aikido.
“We also have a very experienced sensei, Shihan Jun Yamada from Japan to assess our deshi,” said Sula.
He also welcomed members of the public to join the Dojo with a membership fee of RM30 only.
“For new members the membership is paid once but the monthly fee is RM30 for an adult and RM20 for a child.
“Training will be held every weekend from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. We will also hold classes at night upon requests from students from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. Private lessons are also available,” Sula said.
Those interested may contact 013-8184810 and 016-8737994 for details.
