Aikido Events held on the occasion of International Women’s Day
2026/3/9
From March 6 to 8, the Mission of Japan to the European Union invited Ms. Sumire FUJITA, Instructor at the Instruction Department of the Aikido Hombu Dojo (Aikikai Foundation), from Japan and, in co-hosting with the Sessa Takuma Aikidokai—an Aikido association composed of EU-affiliated personnel locally—and others, held an Aikido event on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The overview is as follows.
1. Opening Lecture and Reception
On March 6, an opening lecture and reception was held to mark International Women’s Day at the Mission of Japan to the European Union, with EU officials and others in attendance. At the outset, Ambassador AIKAWA, Mr. POMIANOWSKI, Chairman of the European Aikido Federation, and Mr. POPOWSKI, President of the Sessa Takuma Aikidokai, delivered remarks. This was followed by a lecture by Instructor FUJITA entitled “Women and Aikido,” in which she spoke, drawing on her experience to date, about how women can engage with and approach Aikido. During the Q&A session, many questions were raised by women participants, and there was a very lively and fruitful exchange of views. At the subsequent reception, Instructor FUJITA interacted with EU officials and others.
1. Opening Lecture and Reception
On March 6, an opening lecture and reception was held to mark International Women’s Day at the Mission of Japan to the European Union, with EU officials and others in attendance. At the outset, Ambassador AIKAWA, Mr. POMIANOWSKI, Chairman of the European Aikido Federation, and Mr. POPOWSKI, President of the Sessa Takuma Aikidokai, delivered remarks. This was followed by a lecture by Instructor FUJITA entitled “Women and Aikido,” in which she spoke, drawing on her experience to date, about how women can engage with and approach Aikido. During the Q&A session, many questions were raised by women participants, and there was a very lively and fruitful exchange of views. At the subsequent reception, Instructor FUJITA interacted with EU officials and others.
2. Seminars
On March 7 and 8, with the cooperation of the Sessa Takuma Aikidokai and CESAM (Cercle Européen des Sports et Arts Martiaux), seminars were held at their respective dojos: one open to beginners and another for experienced practitioners only. Many people, including children and women, participated, and vigorous Aikido training was conducted in a very friendly atmosphere.
On March 7 and 8, with the cooperation of the Sessa Takuma Aikidokai and CESAM (Cercle Européen des Sports et Arts Martiaux), seminars were held at their respective dojos: one open to beginners and another for experienced practitioners only. Many people, including children and women, participated, and vigorous Aikido training was conducted in a very friendly atmosphere.
