Aikiphil honors new shodans

After successfully completing its first ever dan grade examinations held here in the Philippines by an all-Filipino panel last April 20, Aikido Philippines, Inc. (Aikiphil) has received from Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan the certificates of the examinees together with the yudanshas (dan holder record book) of Aikiphil’s new shodans.

The certificates and yudanshas were awarded in a simple ceremony held at the Traveller’s Aikido Dojo at the Magallanes Center in Makati Wednesday. Aikiphil president Xavier Baylon, assisted by Raffy Ravago, awarded the certificates.

Aikiphil’s new shodans are: Russel Celis, Arnold Sarte, Arnel Cabug and Ferdinand Sanchez from Makiling Southside Aikido Dojo; Edwin R. S. de Leon, Florendo Aquino III and Monica G. Katigbak from Hara Dojo; Paul Angelo Flores, Mark Anthony de Leon and Rowen Calinga from Valenzuela Aikido Dojo; Edgar Flores from Ishibashi Aikido Dojo and Count Rempillo from Travelers Aikido Dojo. Joseph Pardo from Valenzuela Aikido Dojo was the lone examinee for Nidan (2nd degree black belt