By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 8: After decades of learning Japanese self-defence techniques in Aikido, seven Sarawakian practitioners have finally received their black belts, or shodan, during a ceremony in Singapore.
The seven practitioners from Kuching Aiki Shuren Dojo are Christopher Ningkan, Stephen Loh, Mohd Shukur Mohd, Gan Say Beng, Saifuddin Shaminan, Cecil Adenan, and Dr Jason Lim.
Their certificates of commendation were presented by Sensei Ethan Weisgard, a 7th Dan black belt from Copenhagen Aiki Shuren Dojo, under the guidance of their 4th Dan instructor, Sensei Sullivan Cotter.
Sullivan told DayakDaily that all the newly promoted shodan students have been training at Kuching Aiki Shuren for more than 10 years.
“For these students, this isn’t about obtaining the shodan rank or the ‘Yudansha passport’, issued by Aikikai in Japan, but rather a recognition of and affirmation for their hard work and determination from day one,” he said.
“Every single one had to endure the challenges of the Movement Control Order (MCO), training with masks, avoiding physical contact, and practising only with weapons (buki), while also bearing the risk and responsibility of contracting Covid-19.
“Yet, rain or shine, determination and passion are the values that sustain them as practitioners,” he elaborated.
Sullivan added that Aug 29, 2025, in Singapore was a memorable occasion for his students and the dojo, which is affiliated with Copenhagen in Denmark, as they received commendations from the chief Sensei.
He stressed that his students deserved recognition for their hardships, passion, and patience.
“Though it has been a long wait for them to be upgraded and awarded shodan, it is worthy.
“It comes late, but that makes them even more appreciative of what they have obtained over these past years. It makes the shodan even more precious than any other black belt.
“The seven of them know this does not come easily, it is not only readiness that matters, but timing is what they feel is crucial.”
He expressed his satisfaction with his students’ promotions, recognising them as validation of their years of dedicated training.
Sullivan, who obtained his 4th Dan in Copenhagen not long ago, added that he had fulfilled his mission set six years ago.
“It came late, but it was not absent. I wish every Aikidoka from Kuching Aiki Shuren Dojo to keep training, and may the club continue to prosper and flourish,” he said.
One of his senior students, 45-year-old Saifuddin Shaminan, expressed his gratitude to Sullivan for guiding him to achieve his shodan.
“It has been a passion, and apart from the effectiveness and efficacy of Aikido, I feel great, and my overall health has benefited from the training,” he shared.
For Cecil Adenan, who has 15 years of experience, receiving the commendation at age 66 is a significant accomplishment.
“For me, this is a journey of self-discovery, persistence, self-determination, trust, and loyalty, to the beautiful art of Aikido, and most of all, to my Sensei Sullivan,” he said. — DayakDaily
