Save The Date!

Dear WAAI Family,

Thank you for joining us
for the 2026 Kagami Biraki and Shinnenkai Celebration.
Welcoming in the year of the Fire Horse, together we
re-dedicated ourselves to Aikido by listening to SHIHAN's
deep resonating sound of the ceremonial bell and practicing
together diligently to learn and refine ourselves under
the profound guidance of Shihan, so we may remain on
the heartful path sewn by our SHIHAN walking into the beautiful world!

It was wonderful to see Olmypia Sensei and Pederson Sensei
with Aikido Kids and dojo members, Buchanan Sensei and his
demonstration with much care to his energetic uke, Steven!
Mark Sensei had a demo and it reminded Shihan of Doshu,
such a time to witness! Lynch Sensei and Birte-san showed
exquisite technique and exuded dedication to practice!
Simran-chan and Wonderful person (8 years old) each had
strong first time demos, and at such young age in WAAI!

Such fortune we had, a special prime time to hear Dipa's
heavenly voice! She performed two songs dedicated to our SHIHAN
She received first place awards in India, such recognition is well deserved!
It was good to see her next to her father Dutta Sensei
participating from India on Zoom!

Congratulations to Olympia Sensei and Frank Sensei for
being promoted to 5th dan,

Joel being promoted to 3rd kyu, and Isabelle being promoted to 5th kyu!
The lucky raffle drawing was a big success. SHIHAN and Shihan received
most fortunate of drawing gifts! Great fortune to come for year of the Fire Horse!

We missed those that could not make it this time and look
forward to seeing all for our next auspicious WAAI Family gathering!

Dear WAAI Family,

Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Winter Seminar. A time of
warmth in the midst of winter and the advent of many coincidences,
together we gathered to practice in harmony, to receive profound
lessons from our Dear Shihan who carries the light forward to
lead us on our path so we may follow close in the footsteps
of our Dearest SHIHAN. To gain a deeper meaning of uke and nage,
to self reflect on our own habits, and to hold higher the meaning
of AI in Aikido, we elevated our conscious action of practice
to bring forth a better union towards Ten-Chi, heaven on earth!

It was wonderful to have Pederson Sensei with us in person
(in Delaware!) from Aikido of Minnesota! From Zoom,
we were happy to see Buchanan Sensei, Troy-san, Josh,
and Louie from Prairie Winds Aikikai practicing with us,
Dutta Sensei and his daughter Dipannita from World Aikido Aikikai of India;
Dipannita blessed our ears once again with such beautiful
singing from her heart--Bravo! Great to see Mr. Kalchev, Nikolay-san,
Olga, and Branko joining us to practice on Zoom from Bulgaria!

Congratulations to Wonderful person on receiving his green belt!
Such dedication and practice at a young age is inspirational!

We missed those that could not make it this time and look forward to
seeing all for our next auspicious WAAI Family gathering!