Joe Curran overwhelmed by Tunisian hospitality

Such was the enthusiasm that even the Egyptian Police tumed up for the first tunisian international summer school

In January 2005 i received a request from a newly formed aikido group, association sahelliene d’aikido to take part in a course.

When the course finally started, we met all the various groups. Apart from the Tunisians, there was a large contingent led by Hasseine Sensei, 3^{th Dan, from , an Iwama Ryu practitioner. In attendance were members of the Egyptian police Force, led by Mohammed El Sayed Moussa, 4th Dan and Naoufel Chaara, 4th Dan from tunis . Chaara Sensei is also a heavyweight champion of karate.}

^{During the training, undertaken in very extreme conditions (38°C-45°C) weworked during the day for three to four hours.}

^{The main thrust of the course was to introduce the methods of Chiba Sensei to the group. With this in mind i naturally stressed the value of sound basics and paid close attention to areas of posture, contact and ukemi.}

^{As you may well gather, with a strong element of Iwama ryu in the groups’ weapon work background, the students were eager to learn some Chiba Sensei related work.}

^{With Aikido in its infancy in , one knows how difficult the road ahead can be nevertheless i am confident that the future will be a success for our North Africain brethren.}

^{As a footnote i would like once again to express on behalf of Vassillis and myself my warmest thanks to one and all. We look forward to meeting you again – Inchallah}

 ^{Joe Curran 6th Dan}

^{Saku Mei Kan (Newcastle), North East Aikikai}