In what has now become a regular feature on its annual programme of events, the local branch of the French Buikukan Aikido School will be hosting one of the top French instructors of the school for a weekend of intense training in Malta between Friday and Sunday.

Since formally becoming a branch of the Provence-based school in 2010 the Maltese Aikido Club, the Buikukan Yamato Dojo, based in Hamrun has benefited from regular intense training seminars in Malta by the school’s founder Jean Francois Riondet Shihan.

The club’s Maltese students also regularly participate in training sessions in France – a practice that is highly encouraged and supported by Riondet Shihan.

These international exchanges are considered to be a key element for the local branch of the school to ensure top-quality instruction and international relevance.

The seminar series in Malta is now also part of Buikukan Provence’s regular series of international events and senior French students of the school are expected to attend.

The seminar highlights the commitment of the school to encourage and assist its Maltese Aikido students and instructors to learn and improve their skills in this unusual and complex Martial Art.

The spring seminar in Malta will this year be conducted by Henry Doutreleau Sensei. Henry Sensei has been training Aikido for over 35 years learning directly from Japanese masters Kobayashi Shihan and Riondet Shihan.

Henry Sensei directs the school’s dojo in Marseille where he is renowned for his effective teaching methods and firm, clear movements. He is also on the school’s technical committee and grading board.

The seminar will be held at dojo’s premises located at the Maria Assumpta Girl’s Secondary School in Hamrun.

It is open to all practising Aikidoka and the general public is welcome to watch.

A Beginner’s course for adults will be commencing this month. Further details can be obtained from www.aikidomalta.net or Aikido Malta on Facebook or dial +356 9989 9733.