Around 25 aikido students from Malta, Germany, Japan, Italy, France, Russia and Hungary took part in a seminar, held in Ħamrun earlier this month.

The seminar was conducted by top aikido master Jean Francois Riondet, head of the Buikukan Aikido School in Provence.

The event was hosted by the Maltese branch of the French school, the Buikukan Yamato Dojo.

Those attending the seminar were introduced to a rare style of aikido, known as tomiki aikido.

Tomiki differs from other schools as it includes competitive tournaments as a method to test one’s ability and technique.

Competition usually consists of bouts where participants take turns to attack an opponent with a soft weapon. The defender attempts to avoid the strikes and score points by throwing the attacker.

The seminar in Malta was part of the Buikukan Provence’s series of international events, now in its third year.

The local Aikido club has benefited from these regular training exercises and local students also participate in similar activities in France.

A course for beginners will be commencing in May. Details may be obtained from www.aikido-malta.net or by phoning 9989-9733.