by Farkas BalintIn November 2024 we got a question on our contact form if we are open for a new student to join. She was interested in Iaido and Jodo as a beginner. She is Ai Kawakami from Japan whom everyone quickly took to their hearts in the dojo. Although she has returned to Japan, we look back fondly on the time we spent together. Please enjoy this short interview with her.
– Interview by Norbert Bota
What was the reason to come to Hungary?
– I went to Hungary to study abroad. I also wanted to experience living in another country.
Why did you choose iaido and jodo?
– First of all, I love budo. Second, I was interested in iaido when I was in Japan, but I didn’t have a chance to start it because I lived in a rural area.
After coming to Hungary, I looked for something new to try. Then I found the dojo! That’s why I started practicing it!
What was your first impression about us?
– You were so kind and warm (and you also have a great sense of humor 🙂 ).
(Do you remember when I first met you? I was late because of the delay, but you waited for me for a long time even though it was really cold. You welcomed me with such warm and friendly smiles.)
Was there anything from your previous budo life that you missed during our trainings?
– People around the same age.
Because I used to do kendo in a school sports club with people around the same age. However, I’m sure that environment gave me many precious experiences.
How can you describe life in Kiryoku Budapest?
– It was such a precious experience for me. Everything was new..!
And I came to realize how fascinating jodo is, and even though I was in a foreign country, it became a place where I felt comfortable and safe.
You participated in a seminar as well. How was that for you?
– I was really nervous at the seminar because there were many people I had never met before, and they were all so skilled.
But everyone was very kind and really cool. The seminar helped me broaden my horizons and motivated me a lot. I’m so thankful that I had the chance to join it!
Are you planning to continue jodo in Japan?
– I want to continue! I found a dojo near my house, and I went there once! I enjoyed it, but I was surprised that their training was quite intense…!
I felt the difference in the atmosphere from what I experienced in Hungary…!
What is the main thing that you miss from our training?
– What I miss the most is the time I spent with the members of Kiryoku dojo.
I loved every single moment – chatting in front of the school gate, talking while changing, practicing jodo, exchanging “How are you?”s, laughing at jokes, chatting outside after practice, and when Réka drove me home…
Everything was so memorable. I truly loved that time.
Bonus: Are you planning to visit Hungary in the future? 🙂
– I don’t have any plans to go to Hungary right now, but I’m sure I’ll visit again someday because I love the places and people I met there! Of course, when you come to Japan, please let me know! I’ll come to see you! (^▽^)/
I have considered my future, then I am considering studying at a graduate school outside of Japan….!
And now I am searching for European universities！
Wishing everyone at Kiryoku Dojo wonderful days full of happiness!!
Sincerely,
Ai Kawakami
