Last 18 September 2025 the delegation of SC Global Kizuna, Inc. and the Aikikai Davao Philippines, Inc. visited Ateneo de Davao University led by Tadashi Nishiyama, 6th Dan. Together with him were Tatsuhito Takahashi, 7th Dan, Susumu Takao, 6th Dan, Akihiko Hamano, 4th Dana and Yuuji Ookubo, 3rd Dan. The visit was part of the 30th Founding Anniversary and 2025 Aikido Workshop of Aikikai Davao Philippines, Inc. During the visit, the delegates had an observation and demonstration in one of the PATH-Fit 3 Aikido Classes of Ms. Nancy Pavia.
Prior to the class visit and demonstration, the Japanese delegates had a courtesy call with the Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Melanie Jeane Galvez. A warm welcome was given to delegates with an experience of Filipino delicacies. During the visit of the PATH-Fit 3 Aikido Class, a special and rare Iaido (Japanese Sword Art) demonstration was presented by Susumu Takao, 6th Dan.
In addition, five Physical Education Department faculty and four students attended the 2025 Aikido Workshop from 12-18 September 2025 held at the Tolentino 2020 Building Ecoland, Davao City. The two of the four students namely, Shulammite Rea Dizon and Laurice Corbo took the challenge of the Kyuu rank examination last 17 September 2025. Last 3 June 2025, Symon Lawrence Yuson, another active aikido practitioner from Ateneo de Davao University took his Kyuu rank examination and attended the Summer Aikido Workshop at Odawara Sports Center, Odawara City, Kanagawa Japan together with Ms. Pavia. The result of his examination was given during the 2025 Aikido Workshop.
This memorable visit is a manifestation of the continued support of the Japanese Aikido practitioners and the Aikikai Foundation of the Aikido Program of Ateneo de Davao University who was recognized in 2020 by Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu.
Article and Photos by Ms. Nancy Pavia (School of Education – Physical Education Department)
