At the end of May, our team traveled once again to the charming and sunny Italian city of Bari for the annual jodo seminar. For Marián and Adriana, this marked their third year attending, and this time they were joined by Pavel from Nozomi dojo, who completed our Slovak group.
Bari greeted us with its quintessential southern Italian vibe — the deep blue sea, narrow cobblestone streets of the old town, the fresh aroma of basil and ripe tomatoes, and of course, the daily ritual of savoring a rich Italian coffee and buttery croissant on the way to the stunning sports hall where the training took place. The beautiful weather once again worked in our favor, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the seminars and enjoy some relaxing moments outside the dojo.
This year brought a change to the usual lineup: unfortunately, due to health reasons, the main instructor Louis Vitalis sensei was unable to attend. Fortunately, two highly experienced teachers from the UK: Andy Watson and Harry Jones, both 7th dan Kyoshi, stepped in with great professionalism and enthusiasm. Their clear, methodical, and inspiring teaching was enriched by fresh insights they brought back from their recent trip to Japan.
Over the seminar of two days, we focused intensively on the ZNKR kata. The detailed explanations provided by the senseis highlighted subtle nuances often overlooked in everyday practice. Everyone had ample opportunity to ask questions, refine their techniques, and deepen their understanding.
Saturday evening was a true highlight beyond training. The food in Bari never disappoints, fresh seafood, excellent homemade wines, and delectable desserts that simply melt in your mouth made the group dinner a perfect way to unwind and connect with fellow practitioners. The warmth of the local atmosphere and the joy of shared experiences truly rounded out the day. We are hopeful that next year Louis Vitalis sensei will be able to join us again, and that our team will grow even larger.
Arrivederci, Bari — see you again next year!
