Adelina Lim tells us how Tendoryu Aikido came to the equator, or rather - close to the equator.
Singapore - the Garden City - a sunny island in South East Asia just north of the equator, had its first taste of the Tendoryu style of aikido when Peter Nawrot and Birgit Lauenstein senseis started classes in 1998.
Our founding members, along with Tan Chee Wei, Christopher Low and Foong Wai Luan senseis trained at our open air dojo at Waterloo Street, in full view of passer-bys and bus passengers.
With the ever changing Singapore weather frequently interrupting the training, we then moved to Chatsworth International School, where we had the privilege of Shimizu sensei’s presence at our first anniversary celebration, which included a seminar and party.
When Peter and Birgit sensei had to leave Singapore in 2000, Chee Wei sensei took over the helm of Tendoyu Aikido (Singapore), while Christopher sensei started his own Christopher dojo, and Wai Luan sensei founded the Aikido Institute.
Over the years, we have been fortunate to have been able to arrange for seminars by Peter sensei, Birgit sensei, and even an impromptu seminar by Alfredo sensei from Mexico when he was here on a stopover. These occasions along with visits from friends from other countries and even other dojos added colour to our training, and we hope to have many more chances to train with and under our friends and senseis from all over the world.
Currently, Tendoryu Aikido classes are held by Chee Wei sensei at two community centers, while Christopher sensei has moved his classes back to Waterloo Street, where it all started.
Welcome! To everyone who is thinking of visiting Singapore.
by Adelina Lim