As we are all set to begin another year, AIKO wants to thank all its members who work hard for our growth and we wish that the 2018 becomes a year of even bigger success with the dedication and efforts of all of our instructors and practitioners of our organization, because all of your hard work and loyalty are the reason behind our success.
We had great events during 2017 like the Kodo Cup, the AIKO summer-camps in Holland and Hungary, and closed 2017 with the AIKO CUP in Athens, all of them attracted a lot of people participating and there was a great cooperating in our organization.
A lot of seminars were held in several branches to lift up the standard of Dojos and recently we renewed the Kata- and Gradingsyllabus.
In 2017 Hungary, Pakistan, Bulgaria and Turkey became new members. Our newest countrymember is Kazakhstan which just joined before 2018.
it proves that our system attracts people who are looking for innovation and a democratic way of cooperation, but also have the qualities to be open minded.
There are many countries that also make an application to join the AIKO, but often I have to conclude that they are pursuing a status to become a Branchchief in our organisation and this is accompanied by high Grades that are inimitable.
The Dangrades within our organization are real and credible what we will continue to monitor for now and in the future.
The AIKO had some higher Dangrade promotions this year; Henk Nispeling , Jurgen Schmidt, Nikos Bilas and Marcel van den Berg received their Yondan for their contribution during all those years and/or efforts in the Ashihara International Karate Organisation.
We have many more projects lined up next year and I am sure with our members dedication and determination we will be able to complete those also in time.
We have several Camps coming up in coming year: Turkey spring Camp, Kihon Summer Camp, Hungarian Summercamp and the Doragon autumn Camp.
AIKO Russia will organise a trainingscamp in the month of October which I experienced as a well, high standard organised camp.
For youngsters; the Kodo Cup, organised on 27th of May 2018, has become an international event the last years and will be a big event again.
Next to that the AIKO World Championships will be held on 3rd of November in Hungary. Further tournaments will be announced well in advance.
My goal is, in addition to the passion for the Budo, bring people together with sharing our Budo values and Budo goals in a time of divisiveness.
Personally, professionally and everywhere in between, this is one of the most impactful things I think I can do for my life and those around me.
Establishing a shared set of values is essential for binding different people and cultures together by the way of our unique Ashihara International style and organisation.
“One AIKO, one goal and one spirit will be one success ”
Thanks for your support and hope our relationship continues and we achieve success together.
Wishing you, your family and relatives a healthy, prosperous 2018 !!
Osu,
Dave Jonkers Shihan , December 2017
