We participated in the 9th International Aikido Festival at Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. 

There were 400 Aikido students and instructors from 25 different countries.
Each country performed its demonstration during the event. (Festival Youtube channel.) Moreover, there were dan examinations and various events such as cocktail and dinner.

The idea of the festival was originally proposed by Nobuyoshi Tamura. During his Ankara seminar in 2009, Tamura shihan stated:

“Turkey is a bridge between orient and occident. I believe that it will be a very important center for the development of Aikido.”

and he requested from Nebi Vural to organize an international festival in Turkey. Unfortunately, Tamura shihan passed away before the first festival. However, every year the festival is organized for the memory of Nobuyoshi Tamura. 

This year, our friend Masa Tamura (son of Nobuyoshi Tamura) also participated in the festival. He represented Japan during the demonstrations.

Thanks to the Eurasia Aikido Organization, METU and Bilkent Aikido Society for organizing such an outstanding festival. (More festival pictures)

Source of pictures: VKMAS Aikido Ukraine