Zen of tea meets aikido
Franciscus (left) conducting the grading session for aikido students in George Town.
Aikido exponents from the Mushinkan Academy in George Town had their grading witnessed by the consul-general of Japan in Penang, Shinya Machida.
'Aikido is one of Japan's most unique and important martial arts and I'm pleased to see locals and other expatriates here fully embracing its spirit,' said Machida.
After all the rough and tumble, the atmosphere in the dojo hall (where martial arts is practised) turned serene for a traditional Japanese ochado or tea ceremony attended by dojo master Franciscus Nithya Natham who led the grading session.
The ceremony was led by tea master Yuki Kawashita of Tamafuku Cafe, a Japanese eatery located in Tanjung Tokong.
He was assisted by Etsuko Tanaka from the Urasenke Tea Club, which is part of the Penang Japanese Association.
Kawashita meticulously cleaned utensils and prepared tea for Machida and Franciscus in an elaborate ritual.
As was customary, the two 'guests' rotated their bowls before taking sips.
Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) master Andrew MacGregor provided musical accompaniment.
(From left) Machida and Franciscus during the tea ceremony while MacGregor (in the background) plays the Japanese flute.
The event was organised by the academy and HanaBana Hobbies, a community- centred hub focusing on Japanese cultural events and programmes.
Its public relations representative Kevin Hans Samuel said the aim was to bring everyone together in a celebration of Japanese tradition and the values of discipline, harmony and self-improvement.
Many Malaysians have also taken up martial arts like aikido, which is not only for self-defence but can also help with personal growth, body control, and mental resilience.
Its philosophy of neutralising conflict by redirecting an attacker's momentum can teach one how to navigate challenges with wit and fortitude.
Several aikido exponents gained a better grasp of that after passing the grading session by Franciscus.
He ran the rule over their throws, locks and strikes while also offering advice.
'Don't worry about perfection, because perfection comes when one is sincere,' he told the cohort, some of whom are aiming to go to Japan in 2026 to obtain the shodan (black belt) rank.
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