After what has been a rough year and a half to say the least we were able to have our first Aikido trip away as an association since before the pandemic. It was only fitting that our first once was a visit to our great friend Sensei Frank Burlingham and his dojo, Broadland Aikido, based in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Riley Shihan has been invited there on an annual basis for the last number of years, 2021 aside, and the weekend is well supported by our members, many of whom love to travel down for a the chance to relax on the seafront, maybe have an ice cream and a paddle, and have a weekend’s training of course – not as relaxed. Usually we make the weekend Friday to Sunday but on this occasion, seeing as we hadn’t been together in a a long time, we went down on the Thursday to have and extra day. We stay in B&Bs right on the seafront and they provided us with great hospitality and breakfasts all weekend!
This extra day not training meant we could see the sites of Lowestoft, including Ness Point, the most easterly point of England, the United Kingdom and the British Isles. We had our first visit to Broadland Aikido’s new dojo, where we would be training at the weekend. Naturally Sensei could resist having a little fun and threw a few people. Friday was also the day for our paddle – the water being unusually warm, not that that has stopped us in the past – and our traditional ice creams, complete with flakes and sprinkles. The evening was a a few beers followed by an evening meal at Giardino Italian Restaurant before all retired to bed ahead of Saturday’s training.
Saturday was a full day’s training with Sensei teaching the first ever full-day course at Broadland Aikido’s new dojo. The training was much full as always, however the day was also a very special day for Sensei Frank Burlingham. Firstly he was able to present two of his long-standing students with their sandan and shodan certificates respectively. Secondly it was the day he was presented with his 6th Dan Aikikai certificate from Philip Smith 7th Dan Shihan on behalf of the Aikikai Foundation. We were very honoured to be there to see this for Sensei Burligham, one of our biggest supporters and one of the UK’s most prominent members of the UK Aikido community (for anyone who doesn’t know, Sensei has a huge Aikido history too much to go into here).
Saturday evening was food, drink and celebrations at the Beatles themed Sgt. Peppers restaurant.
Sunday was a half-day training session. again being taught by Riley Shihan, before everyone said their goodbyes and we set off in our convoy home. A joyous weekend all-round and great to be back having association trips away again.
