Indomitable Spirit: Kherson Aikidoka Earns Black Belt
Amidst the daily challenges posed by the war, Ukrainian athletes continue to demonstrate incredible resilience. A prime example of this is the success of Dmytro Volyk, a Master's student in Information Systems and Technologies. Despite all the hardships, he successfully confirmed his 1st Dan (black belt) qualification in Aikido Aikikai.
International Seminar: Masters from Spain in Ukraine
On November 7–9, 2025, an international seminar on **Aikido Aikikai, Iaijutsu, and Kenjutsu** took place in Ukraine, in the city of Uzhhorod.
The event gathered martial arts enthusiasts from all over Ukraine (Kherson, Odesa, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Ternopil, Uzhhorod), as well as foreign guests from Germany and Austria, becoming a symbol of unity and resilience.
The seminar was led by highly respected Spanish masters:
- **Stephane Benedetti** (7th Dan Aikido Aikikai)
- **Miguel Salvador** (6th Dan Aikido Aikikai, Ryushin Shouchi Ryu)
Long-Awaited Certificate: Confirmation of 1st Dan
The culmination of the event was the official presentation of the Japanese certificate confirming the achievement of 1st Dan (black belt), for which **Dmytro Volyk** successfully tested during the previous seminar on March 14–16, 2025.
This black belt is not only an award for technical mastery but also a symbol of life philosophy and will, especially considering the difficult path to its attainment.
The Path Through Trials: Aikido in Kherson
The history of practicing this martial art spans many years: training began at the age of 8, initially in the style of **Ki-Aikido (Shin-Shin Toitsu)**, and later in the **Aikido Aikikai** school.
Plans for the 1st Dan test in 2022 were ruined by Russia's full-scale invasion. During the occupation of Kherson, training did not stop, despite the difficult and dangerous conditions.
Even after the coach left for a time, and later the de-occupation, the community resumed training, demonstrating true dedication to the principles of Aikido. Today, when Kherson is under daily shelling, training still continues.
It is precisely thanks to this incredible resilience that the trip to the March 2025 seminar and the successful testing became possible. This success is a tribute and recognition of the unbroken will and dedication to the principles of Aikido during the toughest times.
Historical Reference: The Philosophy of Aikido
Aikido, founded by **Morihei Ueshiba** (1883–1969), is not merely a martial art, but the "Way of Harmonizing Vital Energy" (*Ai* — harmony, *Ki* — energy, *Do* — way).
Its spread in Europe was initiated by one of Ueshiba's direct students — **Nobuyoshi Tamura Sensei**, who settled in France. **Stephane Benedetti Sensei**, one of the masters who conducted this seminar, studied with him for many years and served as his personal secretary, continuing the tradition of direct knowledge transmission.