On the second weekend of April, we had the pleasure of attending an international iaido seminar in the Belgian city of Roeselare. Practitioners from seven European countries gathered for an enriching weekend of training, and our dojo was proudly represented by Marián and Adriana.
The adventure began as soon as we landed at Charleroi Airport, where a newly renovated terminal area greeted us after six years away. The modern layout was a pleasant surprise, though we must admit, it did make navigating to the exit a bit more interesting! The journey to Roeselare was long and tiring, and some of that fatigue carried into the Friday evening session. However, once we stepped in the dojo, the focused atmosphere of the seminar quickly drew us in.
Led by experienced instructors from across Europe, the seminar delivered a wealth of insights, from technical corrections and detailed feedback to deeper reflections on the core principles of iaidō. These lessons are sure to find their way into our regular practice back home. One of the most meaningful moments for us was seeing our Marián sensei among the leading teachers of the seminar. Watching him teach on an international stage, and being able to learn from him in this setting, was not only a great honor, but also a strong source of inspiration for our continued training.
Evenings after training were filled with laughter, good food, and meaningful conversations with friends from across the continent. As is often the case at such events, we had the chance to reconnect with old friends and form new bonds that extend beyond the dojo.
Thanks to the organizers for their excellent preparation and to all the participants for an inspiring and memorable weekend. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and train again!
