?ｽ@Through Aikido Keiko we need to learn the spirit of harmony which connects people to people and mind to mind. It is because of this that I believe that this demonstration is very meaningful. I hope that all participants will take part full-heartedly and make this event meaningful.  In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and other relevant groups for their support.

?ｽ@--For the 3rd time we are in Japan and this time with the all Japan Aikikai embukai in our program. I'm not only watching the embukai but also participating. So I will see it from both sites. The embukai is something special for aikidokas all over the world. This is where you see many aikikai aikido dojos demonstrating what, for them, is the meaning of aikido. Most aikidokas are there to support their dojo and to watch the demonstrations of the Hombu Shihans and Doshu.
?ｽ@There is a lot to see and some time you do not know where to look. On the 5 tatamis in the centre of the budokan, aikidokas are showing  their aikido with fun and pleasure. If you are not already training aikido, after the embukai you would certainly consider starting.  Some senseis show the softness in aikido while other uses  katana as to show the sharpness, which also exists in Aikido.?ｽ@Even though the weather outside is nice and warm, the budokan is full with spectators and participants watching their fellow aikidokas sweating on the tatami. Every group, sometimes 5 dojos at the same time, has 2 minutes to give their best. All is well organised by the Hombu staff and the volunteers.
?ｽ@Going to the changing rooms to prepare for our demonstration it seems like entering a different world. The place is vibrant, almost hectic with all the excited participants. Including us. With gate do we go to? And where do we find the west gate? Many questions, which are soon solved by one of the volunteers who is holding up a card which reads'CABN'. After some time, we enter the hall and go to our designated tatami. At the sound of the gigantic drum we start with our demonstration. Soon the drum sings for the second time, indicating the end our time. It seems like the demo is over in a blink off an eye. ?ｽ@
?ｽ@After us come the Hombu Shihans, starting with the young generation of teachers. They show beautiful clean aikido, mainly from shomen uchi or yokomen uchi.  The 7th dan Shihans show very energetic aikido. The movements are quick, precise and joyful to watch.  They emanate energy and you feel motivated to train more. Then there is the nice blending between the 8th dan Shihans and their ukes. They astonish you by showing the endless possibilities within Aikido.  Tada sensei, demonstrates the power and beauty of the movements originating from within.  He shows total control of himself and his uke.?ｽ@
?ｽ@ The Doshu?ｽfs demo is different from the ones  I have seen before. As always, the movements seem  effortless and are  clear and accurate. However, this time, there is  something more. He shows more than ever the importance of attunement  between tori and uke.  There is Ai (love) in his movements.
?ｽ@This is what Aikido is all about, and I hope we all can experience this feeling one time sooner or later. The embukai is an experience, you will never forget.
?ｽ@(Robert van den Bosch/Holland)