Aikido students at the Yamato Dojo, currently undergoing intensive preparation for their next grading later this month, will receive a boost with the presence of Master Renato Tamburelli (5th Dan).

Master Tamburelli will be in Malta between June 12 and 20 to prepare and examine Maltese aikido students. He will also be conducting a seminar at the club.

Sensei Tamburelli is uniquely placed to assist the technical development of aikido in Malta.

He is the head of the national technical commission of Italy's Aikido federation, AIKO, to which the Yamato Dojo is officially affiliated.

One of Italy's leading aikido masters, Sensei Tamburelli, who also holds a PhD in anthropology, has been practising aikido for over 35 years. The seminar will include training sessions, a special session for Yudansha (black belts) and, in a first for the club, there will be a dedicated session for female members of the club.

Master Tamburelli will also oversee a grading session for Aikido Yamato Club students.

A beginners' course will be commencing in July.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses primarily on self defence and the development of a harmonious, co-operative spirit.

Members of the public can watch the evening sessions on June 14, 16 and 19. The seminar will be held at the Aikido Yamato Club which is located at the Maria Assumpta Girls Secondary School in Ħamrun.