Vance Karena, who trained in Riai Aikido in New Zealand under Henry Lynch sensei (the chief instructor for Riai Aikido), held an official opening of Riai’s new Nelson Bay dojo on March 8. He invited three members of AKI (Ayano Seymour, Steve Seymour and Jason Nyilas) to join him in christening his new mats. Henry and Fiona Lynch flew over from Auckland to celebrate the occasion.After an initial welcome, Henry took the first training session. Very soon we were practicing spilling lattes, making “A” for aikido and doing the “Michael Jordan.”
Later on, the mayor of Nelson Bay, attired in a traditional Scottish kilt complete with heavy white, woollen socks gave a short speech and cut a red ribbon amidst riotous cheers and a barrage of cameras.For the final sessions, our numbers on the mat doubled as we were joined by Newcastle Aikikai.
All in all, a fun training day. All the best for your new dojo, Vance.
Jason Nyilas
