Nine years ago Raymond Cutajar, Sensei, established the first Yoshinkan Aikido Academy in Malta and on 2 September this year he realised his ambition when six of his students were graded to 1st Dan Black Belts after years of intensive training and preparation.

These new Black Belts are Attard Charles, Aguis Godwin, Cassar Paul, Genuis Alan, Paris Neville and Rivans Joseph. They were examined and graded by David Rubens Sensei 5th Dan of UK. Rubens Sensei trained in Japan under Gozo Shioda Kancho who was one of the pioneers of this fine martial art. Ruben Sensei is a frequent visitor to Malta as a special guest of Sei Shin Kan Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo.

Preparations for the Shodan grading started one and a half years ago when three instructors from Hombu Dojo in Japan were invited to Malta by Raymond Cutajar Sensei to conduct an intensive seminar.

In August this year this group of Maltese Aikidokas were sent to UK for a seminar conducted by David Rubens Sensei in his Meidokan Dojo.

The grading ceremony was held on Sunday 3 September at St. Martin’s College in Swatar, Msida where several distinguished guests were invited to attend the ceremony and a Yoshinkan aikido display was performed by David Rubens Sensei and Raymond Cutajar Sensei together with the new graded black belts.

The event was presided over by Mr Envic Galea, president of the Malta Judo Federation and Associated Arts. After the ceremony a reception was held to celebrate this occasion. In a short speech, Rubens praised Cutajar on his achievement and hard work in building Yoshinkan aikido to the highest level it has achieved today in a small island like Malta.

Sei Shin Kan Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo has recently moved to St. Martin’s College in Swatar. For more information one can browse the website: www.yoshinkanmalta.com or contact number mob. 99809724.