It has been a hectic year for the Association as we worked to map the future direction of the organization after the passing of our Technical Director, Seiichi Sugano Shihan. After many weeks of careful deliberation, we have decided to seek Hombu assistance as well as continue on with Sugano Shihan’s aikido legacy with the help and cooperation of Sugano Shihan Aikido Foundation of Australia.
- Sugano Shihan’s Commemorative School
The MAA was represented by 3 members of the Committee (Tony Yap Sensei, Dr Leong Sensei and Raja Sazita) and a member (Dr Rayney Azmi) at the Sugano Shihan’s Commemorative School in Melbourne from 10th to 16th January 2011. It was a gathering of individuals, groups and organizations who had, and still have, a strong connection to Seiichi Sugano Shihan. It was dubbed a Celebration of a Life and a Legacy. The Seminar was headed by renowned chief of New York Aikikai and founder of US Aikido Federation, Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (8th Dan). - Ikuhiro Kubota Seminar
This took place at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort (Poolside Terrace) from 11th to 13th March 2011. Despite the poor attendance, Kubota Shihan continued to reward us with his very circular and flowing aikido. Time and again, he stressed on good ashi sabaki, correct eye directions and a good posture. - Aikido Seminar in Bali
This took place from 4th to 8th June 2011. Tan Chew Boon who had been working and training in Japan, and recently returned to Kuala Lumpur, was invited to join the above Seminar which was organized by the Samurai Dojo in Bali. Upon his urging, Low Sensei and Dr Leong Sensei joined Chew Boon at the Seminar which was conducted by Shoji Seki Shihan from Hombu Dojo. - TTC Weekend Seminar
This was held at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort (Poolside Terrace) from 23rd to 24th April 2011. George Lo Sensei (6th Dan) was invited and his flight from and to Sydney paid for by the MAA to come and assist the Technical and Teaching Committee (TTC) in its teaching responsibilities. - Annual Aikido Camp
After a hiatus of about 5 years, the Annual Camp was resurrected. This time it was organized by the MMU Cyberjaya Aikido Club from 18th to 19th June 2011. It was held at Seri Malaysia Hotel in Port Dickson and was very well organized. Our senior Instructors taught at the Seminar and the highlight of the Camp was the bokken practice by the seaside before dawn. The National Kyu Examination was held in conjunction with the Camp for the very first time. - 12th Malaysian Aikido Seminar
This was held at the Kompleks Rakan Muda Puchong from 1st to 3rd July 2011. The response was good considering that this was the first time that Sugano Shihan did not instruct at the Seminar. And Tony Smibert Shihan did not disappoint, taking us through many of the techniques that Sensei himself would have done. No yudansha examination was conducted at the Seminar this year. - Hironobu Yamada Shihan Seminar
This was held at the Sports Arena at Wisma Olympic, Jalan Hang Jebat in Kuala Lumpur. The Seminar took place from 14th to 16th October 2001. A group of Singaporeans came from across the Causeway to join us in learning from this very experienced teacher. - Remembering Seiichi Sugano Shihan (1939 – 2010)
This was held at the HQ Dojo in Jalan Scott on 28th August 2011, a day before his actual day of passing. The simple yet meaningful gathering was held to mark the first Anniversary of his departure.
We were delighted to be asked to participate in Astro Arena’s Aktifpedia programme, introducing Aikido to the Malaysian public via the television.
Thank you.
Dr Leong Kok Weng
Hon.Gen.Secretary
