Aikido has a large community that goes beyond dojo and country borders. Because Aikido is practised worldwide, there are no competitions but there are seminars, this creates unity. You are not expected to make choices in friendships based on your level or the club you train for. But rather from equality, passion for Aikido, and common interests. This means that you get to know many new people by going along to seminars at home & abroad. You get to know cultures better and their habits. You build your own network of friends around the world and that makes it super fun to travel and learn more from others in addition to practising Aikido. The various grandmasters travel to the Netherlands (see seminar heading) or to Europe.
You don't have to go far away to experience this. It can be done in our own dojo, at Ando. That from the very first moment. This is because we believe it is important for everyone to feel welcome and for this reason you will always be taken care of. In Japanese, we also call this Senpai-Kohei, where the senpai is the older brother/sister (senior aikidoka) who takes care of the younger (junior aikidoka) and helps where possible. This bond is very important to a Japanese person. Just as important as a good relationship between Sensei (teacher) and Deshi (student). Relationships are the building blocks and core values of us as human beings. So also for the community that wants the best for each other, value each other, help each other grow, dare to reflect and have fun together.
Ando does not stop at the students who are actively on the mat, but You can also stay involved afterwards and maintain the friendships built up. Especially if you have trained at Ando from a young age or for many years, there will always be a special connection. We support this and always enjoy staying connected with former students. There are free activities organised where you can attend.
We started a children's/youth camp with the theme "New Year's Eve" for our Aikido community. Of course because we still had the gunpowder fumes from the fireworks in our nostrils and the oliebollen had not yet left our bellies, but more so because of the look back at 10 years of Ando during the camp. With highlights of previous camps incorporated.
What a camp it was! The effects were clearly felt by the parents. The camp had tired out their children and afterwards they lay asleep on the couch. At least that means one thing: that camp MUST have been a success. What a party it was, right from the start. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed various activities. Together me the child and youth members of Ando, we had some adventures again hooray! Unfamiliar food was eaten (WHAT A MOOD), balloon races were held and forest games played. The photo game was very exciting. Each group of kids took a youth member through the forest in search of the photos of missing staff members. With the thieves on their heels, the kids ran from post to post looking for the missing memories.
Of course, camp also involves getting up early to take fun (and tired) photos of all of us! Making tasty croissants and then changing to vbefore dinner to practice some Aikido. Because an Aikido camp without Aikido would be too crazy for words! The trip back in time was great fun for many children and perhaps even more fun for the staff members? Blindfolded, the children and youth members in the Ando's time machine posted and a voice told what they all experienced. Animals flying around, the Chihuahua tick mosquito, jars of pepper falling to pieces, Edo's Gangnam Syle, weird situations in Michelle's dojo and, of course, the medicine that sparkled on your tongue. Besides a beautiful Ando's Next Top Model the children got to dress up nicely for the fancy evening dinner. Anne and Edo were also very nicely decorated! The rest of the staff were the waiters, all neatly dressed. They brought around snacks, drinks and delicious food. The last day was scheduled for cleaning up, everyone helped well and the log cabin we were in was left tidy. After a sandwich, coffee, tea and a nice song by the youth members (due to their adopted eggs), the camp was over with a nice ending. Can't wait to see what we do next year!!! You'll be joining us, of course! Text: Kim L.
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