In what is believed to be a first in Malta, a native Japanese female instructor spent a weekend here teaching Maltese students the finer aspects of complex techniques of the Japanese martial art of Aikido.

Tomoko Riondet, an expert in this subtle and devastatingly effective Japanese martial art, trained in Japan while still at university in the 1970s. She later became a disciple of the late acknowledged Japanese master Hirokazu Kobayashi (VIII Dan) with whom she trained and travelled throughout Europe.

Tomoko is an instructor at the Bu-Iku-Kan Aikido School based in Provence, France where she lives and regularly teaches adults at special classes for children and females.

Tomoko was part of an international contingent taking part in the bi-yearly international Aikido seminar organised by the Bu-Iku-Kan Yamato Dojo Aikido Club between 1-3 April. Tomoko is expected back to Malta at the next seminar in October.

The Bu-Iku-Kan Yamato Dojo Aikido Club of Hamrun is a branch dojo of the French Bu-Iku-Kan school and organises Aikido training three times a week at its timber-floored dojo in Hamrun. A new course for beginners is commencing in May. Further information from Tel 9989 9733 or www.aikidomalta.net or facebook: aikidomalta