The Aikido section of our club is directed by Gildo Mezzo, 7^th dan Aikikai. Gildo began studying Aikido in 1967. After three years of practice in Geneva he left for Japan to pursue intensive practice at Hombu dojo in Tokyo (the seat of the Aikikai). He remained there for five years and received 1^st dan.

Back in Switzerland in 1975, he began teaching Aikido at SDK.  At this time there were only a few students.  The previous Aikido section at SDK was divided between those who wished to follow Mochizuki sensei’s style, and those wanting to follow Aikikai style who were waiting for a teacher. Beginning with one class a week, the section grew larger and more active. It now counts some one hundred and twenty practitioners (children, adolescents and adults). There are now four weekly classes for adults and two for children and adolescents.

The section is very active, with eight yearly seminars and visits by many advanced teachers. Among others, in the past, Kitaura sensei, Chiba sensei, the sadly departed Yamaguchi sensei, Tamura sensei, Merit sensei, Fujimoto sensei. At present senseis Tissier, Gouttard, Orban, Bachraty are regularly invited.

As a result of Gildo Mezzo’s constant efforts the section has some thirty black belt practitioners regularly on the mat and happy to share their practice with those less experienced.