Chapter 23
(This is a repost of the original article from 2017. It’s reposted because the original post is permantly being spammed).
I’m not going to maintain that these posts are chonological. This post is about something I did very recently. After the IAF Congress in Takasaki I was invited to attend the Tornado Festival in Moskow during the first weekend of September 2016. This event had been brought to the attention of the IAF a couple of years before. In 2010 the IAF could organize its DC meeting in Moscow thanks to the support of Russian Aikikai. In 2012 the RNAB presented itself for the first time at the congress of the IAF in Tokyo. Following that the general secretary of the IAF was invited to participate in the Tornado festival. Ater that the Tornado Festival went off the radar of the IAF. The invitation gave me an opportunity to see with my own eyes what the event is all about, and it’s an outstanding example in many ways. Below you will find a report on the event I shared with the RNAB.
The Tornado Festival – a great festival, a good example
On the 3rd and 4th of December 2016 the Tornado Festival took place in Moscow. Within Russia it is one of the main events for the Aikido community, even if it is not well-known outside of the region. It consists of a number of events, instruction and demonstrations, a show for the public and the selection for the national Aikido demonstration team. Each part of the event deserves its own attention, because it addresses challenges facing the Aikido community worldwide.
Perhaps the first issue the Tornado Festival resolves, is that it gives the cooperation between the different Aikido-organizations in a region a sense of cooperation and direction. Of course every country works towards such events that strengthen the cohesion. In Japan the All-Japan Aikido Demonstrations are the strongest example. But outside of Japan there are not that many regions that have such an annual event.
The program itself isn’t unique: a seminar, demonstrations, a show for the public. But like the All-Japan Aikido Demonstrations they offer a platform for all the Aikido styles in Russia. During the training sessions there are slots for some 6th dan instructors who have the whole mat for an hour. There are slots where the mat is divided and several instructors give parallel sessions for an hour of half an hour. This creates an open atmosphere were the different styles feel they are an equal partner, and an environment where many instructors have an opportunity to present their knowledge. Like everywhere in the world teachers differ, their Aikido style differs, but the feeling on the mat is that all the participants are interested to learn from each of the teachers. There is a stimulating open atmosphere on the mat.
There are regional demonstrations where a number of teams from different regions demonstrate for the participants. Since Russia and the former Soviet Republics form a huge region, there is a true interest to observe how the different groups work. There are great distinctions, but well within the range of what one would on average consider Aikido.
The show for the public is a reflection of the openness in the rest of the program. Many different groups and regions are given the opportunity to present their Aikido. What is truly interesting is that many demonstrations are well-prepared. There is serious thought into how they can create an attractive show without compromising too much on the presentation of actual Aikido. The programs aren’t exaggerated, but just very visually attractive. One of the added benefits is that even younger Aikidoka can participate because they do a short bit which they have prepared well. The show is contains other elements. This year there were demonstrations by a sword-school, Chinese Martial Arts, dancing, Capoeira and each demonstration was a true demonstration of high-level athletic and
technical performance.
But for me the icing on the cake was a special event that not many countries have: the selection of the national demonstration team (And this deserves some special attention, so read below for the full background). During the Tornado Festival candidates for the national demonstration team are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Experts determine who are the most skilled people at that moment. These people are the group that will be contacted when the federation is approached to demonstrate. This eliminates random favoritism, gives all an equal opportunity to participate, and from what I could observe created the same atmosphere as during grading: a healthy wish to perform your best. There was support from those looking on, there was gratefulness and modest pride from those selected. There was happy acceptance from those that were not selected. In my eyes it worked well.
The Tornado Festival does all the things we want from Aikido events, and it does them well. It shows that development in how Aikido is presented is possible and successful. To my mind it is an example that should be followed. It would further the cooperation in regions, it would contribute to a true international platform for Aikido, not just per country but supported by all countries with equal opportunity.
In the first weekend of December 2017 the next event will take place. Its worthwhile to come and see for yourself, and participate in a high-level event. You will have the opportunity to experience that the Russian spirit includes hard work, fair treatment and generosity, hospitality and friendship.
In the next chapter I will provide some further background information on the SportAccord Combat Games, in relationship to the events in the Tornado Festival
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what a great story