相生會 合気道神戸三田道場 30周年記念サイト
Aioikai Aikido Kobe-Sanda Dojo 30th Anniversary Website

Congratulations on the 30th Anniversary of the Founding of the Aioikai Aikido Kobe-Sanda Dojo.
From 1985 (Showa 60) to 1995 (Heisei 7), Shihan Etsuji Horii trained for approximately ten years in the Instruction Department at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo under the Second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba. During that time, he served as a member of the Instruction Department and was engaged in teaching and leading training sessions. In 1996 (Heisei 8), he established the Aioikai Aikido Kobe-Sanda Dojo in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture. Since then, he has devoted himself not only to his own continuous training in Aikido, but also to teaching a wide range of practitioners, from children to adults. His activities have extended beyond Sanda City, and he has remained actively engaged primarily throughout the Kansai region.He has also participated enthusiastically in seminars both in Japan and abroad, dedicating himself to the promotion and development of Aikido.
Aikido was completed by its Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, as a path for those who strive to embody his teaching: “True budo is not something that relies merely on force to oppose others and compete over strength, weakness, victory, or defeat. Rather, it is the pursuit of a way in which one harmonizes with fellow practitioners day by day, trains together through mutual refinement, and seeks the completion of one’s character.” Today, in approximately 140 countries and regions around the world, people of all ages and genders devote themselves to training and come into contact with the spirit of Aikido. While there are many factors behind this global spread, it is undoubtedly due to the strength and vitality of each country, region, and dojo, as well as the efforts of many instructors like Shihan Horii, who have conveyed the excellence of Aikido through daily practice.
Although we say “30 years” in a single phrase, it is understood that this journey has not always been smooth, and that there have surely been various twists and turns along the way. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic placed restrictions on training, and it must have been an especially difficult time, just as it was for Aikido practitioners around the world. However, those challenges have been overcome, and the dojo stands strong today. Building upon its 30-year history, we sincerely hope that the spirit of the Aioikai Aikido Kobe-Sanda Dojo will continue to be renewed and carried forward into the future.
On the occasion of this 30th anniversary, we earnestly hope that all members of the Aioikai Aikido Kobe-Sanda Dojo, united around Shihan Etsuji Horii, will further deepen their bonds with one another, cherish the spirit of harmony and daily training, and continue to prosper and develop even more in the years to come.

This year, we have the great honor of holding the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Events for the Aioikai Aikido Kobe Sanda Dojo in such a grand manner, with the gracious presence of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba Sensei. This is truly an overwhelming honor for everyone involved with our dojo, and we would like to express our deepest and most respectful gratitude.
Furthermore, under the kind and attentive guidance of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba Sensei, as well as Yoko Okamoto Sensei of Sando-kai Aikido Kyoto, we are privileged to welcome participants from 32 overseas organizations representing 14 different countries and 37 organizations within Japan, totaling more than 68 organizations with over 400 members participating. That we are able to conduct both the seminar and the demonstration without incident is entirely thanks to the warm support and goodwill of all of you, for which we would like to express our profound appreciation.
I first entered the path of Aikido in 1978, 48 years ago. In 1985, I began serving as a member of the Instructor Department at Aikido World Headquarters, and since establishing this dojo here in 1996, 30 years have passed.
However, no matter how much I have trained, the state I seek has not easily revealed itself. It has always felt like chasing the reflection of the moon—whenever I reach out, it slips farther away. Yet I have come to deeply understand that this endless pursuit is the very essence of “the Way,” and a journey truly worth walking throughout one’s lifetime.
As I have grown older, my body has changed from what it was in my youth, and there are increasing moments when it does not move as I wish. After turning sixty, I was diagnosed with lumbar spinal canal stenosis and osteoarthritis in both knees. Even so, I have chosen to accept aging and illness as part of the natural flow of life, and while exploring what training is possible within my current condition, I intend to continue moving forward step by step without stopping, and to devote myself to my practice. In fact, it is often within limitations that new insights are found, and these days I am reminded once again of the profound depth of Aikido.
In preparing for and operating this commemorative event, the members of the organizing committee have devoted tremendous effort over a long period of time. Without your support, we could not have reached this day. I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our students who support the dojo on a daily basis, to all related parties, and to everyone who has shared a connection with us throughout the years. In closing, I would like to wish you all continued good health and further success, and with that, please accept my deepest thanks.