Aikido Harmonie
August 19 - 27, 2000
By Marcel Dromer*

Each year we are fortunate to participate in this summer camp, which lasts nine days with two classes, each two-hours long, per day. It takes place in a lovely environment. Le Vigan is in the Cevennes mountains of southern France - a region of steep hills and deep valleys, with many beautiful places to visit, such as caves, a naturally circular valley, and the largest weather station in Europe. There is a very good ambiance among the Aikidoka who come from all over Europe.

Two hundred and seventy of us assisted at Sensei's beautiful demonstrations. Each year he brings us the fruits of his research into the applications of Aikido, always with modifications to the techniques which seem natural, and which are very agreeable to practice. In addition to this, there is a great deal of weapons work, notably two swords, which was new to most of us when Sensei introduced it.

We send him our heartfelt thanks, looking forward to the continuance of this summer camp. The dates for 2001 are August 18 - 26.