Aikido - the way for cultivation of personality

 

Establishment of Aikido club "Slavia"

The chronology of Aikido in the "white" family started in 1996, when Aikido Club Slavia registered as a non-profit organization with a president Sensei Nikolay Marinov Petkov - then I Dan Aikikai. The club becomes a member of the United Sports club "Slavia", Bulgarian Aikido Association (BAA) and the International Aikido Association (IAA). The true birth date of Aikido club "Slavia", however, is March 1, 1995 when Nikolay Petkov decided to create such a club. Trainings began to conduct in the sports complex "Slavia" and the first students were Camelia and Ivan Terziev and their son Dimitar Terziev. Gradually, they were joined by other boys and girls from the neighborhood, and the interest in Aikido increased.

Participation in the first international seminars of Aikido

In 1997, trained in Aikido club "Slavia" participated in the first Aikido seminar led by Shihan Fumio Toyoda - VII Dan and James Shihandai Nakayama - V Dan. At these seminars, "white" aikidokas achieved their first degree in Aikido. The club organized its first demonstration in Hall - 2 of the National Palace of Culture.

 

The imposition of Aikido club "Slavia" as one of the leading clubs in Bulgaria

With its achievements in 1998 Aikido club "Slavia" has established itself as one of the leading clubs in Bulgaria and took part in four workshops. On August 23 1998, the President of IAA Shihan Fumio Toyoda - VII Dan conducted seminar in the dojo of Aikido club "Slavia". He praised the activities of the club and the high technical level of "white" Aikido practitioners. The second international seminar was held under the leadership of Executive Director of the American Association Aikido Sensei Keith Moore - IV Dan. The other two seminars are on the program of the Bulgarian Aikido Association. Aikido club "Slavia" participated in four public demonstrations honor of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba Sensei. Demonstrations were held in Hall - 2 of the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

Scientific research of Aikido club "Slavia"

Science-oriented research activities of Aikido club "Slavia" was developed by graduate of the National Sports Academy. They have conducted a number of tests and research in Aikido. On July 24 1998, in Hall - 10 of the National Palace of Culture the club participated in the first international conference on Aikido, on which are exported the following reports: "Psycho-physical training in the martial art Aikido", "Psycho-pedagogical techniques and methods for conducting training in Aikido" and "Social factors warranting the study of Aikido in the school system”. In 1998 President of the Aikido Club Slavia Nikolay Petkov defended - II Dan Aikikai.

 

Increasing the level of technical skills of the trainees of Aikido club "Slavia"

In 1999, the technical level of those engaged in Aikido increased, achieving ever higher levels. “White” Aikido practitioners participated in all seminars organized by BAA and MAA under the leadership of Vice President of MAA Sensei David Miller - V Dan. On March 10 1999, in the frame of the second conference on "Scientific bases of training methods in Aikido", the President of Aikido Club "Slavia" Sensei Nikolay Petkov - II Dan participated with a report entitled "Aikido and Management." During September 4-9 1999, Aikido Club “Slavia” organized a series of public demonstrations during the International exhibition of sporting goods from leading companies in Sofia Hall "Festivalna".

“White" Aikido practitioners in 2000 demonstrated a high level of workmanship and take part in two international seminars led by Shihan Fumio Toyoda - VII Shihandai Dan and Andrew Sato - V Dan as well as in seminars conducted in Bulgaria.

The creation of a specialized group of children and adolescents in Aikido

Since 2001 was created a specialized children's and youth group in Aikido that trained under a special program. The aim is to teach children to respect themselves and their friends and parents, to be open to self-discipline and confidence, and when they are in school to be able to focus on learning without to suppress their emotions. During the year Aikido club "Slavia" launched its website address: www.aikido-bg.org. In 2001, the club participated in three international and two national seminars.

 

Awarding the name "Keydokan" or "A school on the road of the respect"

On March 20 2002, the President of the Aikido club "Slavia" Sensei Nikolay Petkov achieved - III Dan Aikikai. Under his leadership, three Aikido seminars were held in Sofia, Pleven and Gorna Oryahovitsa. On October 28 2002, IAA issued a certificate of Aikido club "Slavia", Keydokan Dojo named by officially recognized as a reputable dojo, in accordance with the policy of MAA for training and coaching in the art of Aikido, following the tradition of its founder O 'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. The name "Keydokan" means "A school on the road of the respect". By invitation of Aikido Club “Slavia” on October 31 2002 the President of  "Toyoda Center" Sensei Blaine Fein - III Dan was held an Aikido  seminar in Sofia. Moreover, Aikido practitioners of the club took part in the international seminar under the direction of Andre Sato Sensei - V Dan, who praised their active participation in the seminar as well as their high technical skills in Aikido. The club took part in a demonstration with Shihandai Andrew Sato - V Dan.

 

The beginning of Dan grades achieved by the students of Aikido club
"Slavia"

2003 was a very special year for Aikido club "Slavia" full of many successes and achievements. On February 20 2003 a seminar under the guidance of a personal Yazuo Kobayashi Shihan - VIII Dan, who is one of the living legends and Aikido student of the founder of Aikido O 'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. Together with him in the seminar participated Shihandai Andy Sato - V Dan - Chief Instructor of the International Aikido Association. On this International Aikido Seminar Ivan Dinev achieved the first for the club - I Dan Aikikai. This is the beginning of Dan grades been receiving by students of Aikido club "Slavia". A little later in the fall, during November 7-9 2003 in Sofia was held the second international seminar in Aikido under the leadership of Shihandai Andy Sato - V Dan. At this seminar the students of Aikido club "Slavia" Ivan Bogdanov and Seraphim Krastev achieved I Dan Aikikai. Thus Aikido club "Slavia" ended 2003 with three Aikido practitioners, graded as I Dan winners. During the year, the President of the Aikido club "Slavia" Nikolay Petkov held internal seminars and exams for degree Kyu in the following clubs: "Aikido Club Pleven" - Pleven, "Funa Aikido Club" - Sofia "Aikido Club Gorna Oryahovitsa" - Gorna Oryahovitsa.

 

Active participation in international and domestic Aikido seminars

In 2004 Aikido club "Slavia" continued its active participation in international and domestic Aikido seminars. During the year, were held two national and three international seminars led by Derek Nakagawa - IV Dan and Joe Anshen - IV Dan (On May 26-27 2004) and Kobayashi Shihan Yazuo - VIII and Sato Sensei Shihan - V (on June 04 - 06 2004). On July 4 2004, the President of the Aikido club "Slavia" Nikolay Petkov led trainings in a seminar dedicated to Shihan Fumio Toyoda - VII Dan, president of the MAA. On September 18 2004, Aikido club “Slavia” participated in a seminar led by Steven Segal - VII Dan, held in Sofia. Dimitar Dinev was exemed and achieved I Dan Aikikai from Shihan Kobayashi Yasuo - VIII Dan.

 

Participation in the first seminar in Bulgaria of Shihan Christian Tissier

In 2005 Aikido club "Slavia" participated in four international seminars as well as in an national seminar. On July 9-10 2005 the students of Aikido club “Slavia” participated in milestone. For the first time in Bulgaria, in town Sliven was organized Aikido seminar led by Shihan Christian Tissier - VII Dan.

 

Awarding IV Dan Aikikai to Sensei Nikolay Petkov

2006 was another successful year for Aikido club "Slavia". The club participated in five international seminars and an internal seminar. The seminars were led by eminent masters as Sensei Ilya Solonitsin - III Dan Shihandai Hiroshi Tajiri - V Dan, Sensei Koliopoulos - V Dan, Shihan Sato Sensei - VI Dan and Shihan Fuzhimoto - VI Dan. On May 28 2006 the President of the Aikido club "Slavia" Sensei  Nikolay Petkov achieved IV Dan Aikikai.

Awarding the new Dan grades for students of Aikido club "Slavia"

In 2007 Aikido practitioners took part in a winter seminar "Kangeyko" in Sofia, under the guidance of Shihan Suva - VI Dan as well as even fourth international seminars. The seminars were led by Stephen Toyoda Sensei - III Dan, Sensei Greg Noble - IV Dan Shihan Kuantarana - VI Dan and Shihan Sato - VI Dan. During the same year Robert Nikolov and Alexander Nedekov  achieved  I Dan Aikikai  and Ivan Dinev - II Dan Aikikai.

 

The newbeginning - Aikido club "Slavia" became a member and  on official representative of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo - Japan for Bulgaria

Two events were crucial for the history of Aikido club "Slavia" in 2008. The first one related to the celebration of the 95th Anniversary of USC "Slavia". During the period of March 17-21 2008, Aikido club "Slavia" held public demonstrations and trainings, familiarizing the public with the principles and philosophy of Aikido.

Secondly, 2008 appears to be a milestone in the development of Aikido club "Slavia". During the year the club became a member and an official representative of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo - Japan for Bulgaria. Aikido Kobayashi Dojo was founded by Shihan Kobayashi Yazuo - VIII Dan, a student of the founder of Aikido O `Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. On November 14 to 16 2008, Aikido club "Slavia" organized first International Aikido seminar under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan. The seminar was held in the hall of "Aikido Club Slavia". At this seminar Dimitar Dinev achieved II Dan Aikikai and Maria Stoycheva and Ivan Vazharov received I Dan Aikikai. The examination was conducted by Nikolay Petkov - IV Dan and Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan.

 

Participation in the first "Aikido Demonstration of Friendship"

In 2009 Aikido club "Slavia" organized second International Aikido seminar under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan. Aikido practitioners of the club took part in an international seminar in Belgrade under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan. At the seminar in Sofia Ivan Nochev achieved I Dan Aikikai. On November 7 2009, the club took part in the first "Aikido demonstration of friendship" in Sofia Hall Triaditsa.

Expanding the international activities aikido club "Slavia"

During April 23 to 25 2010, Aikido club "Slavia" organized the 3rd International Aikido seminar under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi-VI Dan in Sofia. At this seminar Vasil Georgiev achieved - I Dan Aikikai. Club members participated in 6 seminars in Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria under the guidance of Shihan Shirakawa Katsutoshi - VII Dan, Shihan Yoshiaki of Yoko - VII Dan, Shihan Ulf Linde - VI Dan, Shihan Urban Aldenklint - VI Dan and Michele Sheehan Kuaranta - VI Dan. On November 6 2010 the club participated in the second "Aikido Demonstration of Friendship" in Sofia “Triaditsa” Hall.

Aikido club "Slavia" organized two international seminars in 2011 in Sofia under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan and Shihandai Shunichiro Koyanagi - V Dan. Club members also participated in seven seminars in Bulgaria under the guidance of Shihan Ulf Linde - VI Dan, Shihan Nebi Vural - VII Dan, Shihan Etsudzhi Hori - VII Dan, Shihan Takanori Kuribayashi - VII Dan, Shihan Urban Aldenklint - Shihan VI Dan. On November 5 2011, the club participated in the now traditional three "Aikido Demonstration of Friendship" in Sofia “Triaditsa” Hall.

 

Awarding the V-th Dan Aikikai of the President of the Aikido club "Slavia" Nikolay Petkov for special merits in the Aikido development

On January 9 2012, International Organization Aikido - Aikikai awarded 5th Dan Aikikai, the President of the Aikido club "Slavia" Nikolay Petkov for special merits in the development of Aikido. In 2012 Aikido club "Slavia" organized Fifth International Aikido seminar in Sofia during May 18 -20 under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan. On May 20 2012 Maria Stoycheva and Vazharov achieved II Dan Aikikai, and Dimitar Dinev achieved III Dan Aikikai. On July 11 to 15  2012, the  instructors of Aikido Club Slavia Maria Stoycheva - II Dan Dimitar Dinev - III Dan and Nikolay Petkov - V Dan took part and conducted  Aikido trainings in the frame of Aikido Summer Camp in Apriltsi. The club members also participated in five seminars in Bulgaria under the guidance of Shihan Hiroaki Kobayashi - VI Dan, Shihan Shirakawa Katsutoshi - VII Dan, Shihan Takanori Kuribayashi - VII Dan, Shihan Urban Aldenklint - Shihan - VI Dan. On November 3 2012 Aikido club "Slavia" took part in the fourth "Aikido Demonstration of Friendship" in Sofia “Triaditsa” Hall.

Celebrations to mark the 100th Anniversary of USC "Slavia"

To celebrate 100 years since the founding of the OSC"Slavia", Aikido club "Slavia" organized three Aikido seminars. The first seminar will be held during March 11 to 16 2013 in the Wrestling Hall of Slavia Sports Complex, based on  str. Koloman № 1. The seminar will be open to anyone who wants to get acquainted with the techniques, principles and philosophy of Aikido. The two international seminars will be led by Hiroaki Kobayashi - Shihan Dan and Urban VI Aldenklint - Dan Shihan VI. Three of the Club members are prepared to pass tests for I Dan and two people for II Dan Grade.