Been to the Netherlands before?
 

Anyone been to The Netherlands before and practiced Aikido? How was your experience compared with the dojo you are training?
Greetz Kaz. :p

Re: Been to the Netherlands before?
 

I never trained in Holland but I was stationed there from 1982-1984. The US Air Force had F-15s at Fliegbasis Soesterberg (Camp New Amsterdam was the western section). It was a two-year vacation. Thank you. :D :D

Re: Been to the Netherlands before?
 

I simply loved changing rooms and showers shared by both sex ;)
I didn't like 1000 federations fighting each other.

aikido in Netherlands is cool , but difficult to find a dojo with martial spirit :(

Re: Been to the Netherlands before?
 

While on holiday and visiting a cousin in Holland I had the privledge to train at AikiDojo in Haarlem and also in Amsterdam with Simon Deering and Quirijn Duchatteau. Although the physical space for training was very small and cramped in both spaces the people I trained with were wonderful. I had only been training for about 2 months and was very new. I only spoke and understood english and a few japanese names of techniques. The sensei and other members of the dojo were so warm and welcoming. They were extremely patient and kind. They took time to help me with very very basic skills ( At the time i wasn't even comfortable with forward rolls!!!) A few people even took me out after training, showed me around town, and offered me a place to stay! I always remember their compassion and friendship and cherish that memory and experience.

Re: Been to the Netherlands before?
 

Hey,

I live and train in Holland you can ask me anything you want to know!
I am English and have had the pleasure of training in the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland and now in several dojos in Holland.
I find the spirit in my dojo 100% and nothing less...
My dojo is very large, and is (IMHO) now one of the best dojos I have trained in.

I found the dojo in Belfast the best as this was very, very good. (The aikinomichi group)

T_D