Participants of the open training with the rector of INRTU mastered aikido techniques

The open training on aikido took place on June 16 at stadium of Irkutsk Technical University. Sporting event was conducted by vice rector for research of INRTU, president of regional organization "Irkutsk club Ki-Aikido" Aleksandr Kononov.

The training was supported by the staff and students of the Polytechnic Institute, headed by the rector Mikhail Korniakov. The sporting event attracted representatives of the Irkutsk State University of Railway Transport, the regional College of Pedagogical Education and the Irkutsk Technical College of Architecture and Construction.

"The event is a traditional event of our university. Today we decided to hold a training session in a new format - to introduce you to such an interesting sport as aikido.

All the participants are very enthusiastic. I am sure that people who are involved in sports are more successful in their studies and in the professional field," - Mikhail Korniakov addressed to the amateur athletes.

According to Aleksandr Kononov, a trial aikido training was held in the winter for the pro-rector corps:

"We decided to scale up this event, to include everyone who wants to.

I became interested in aikido 25 years ago, when I was a student at Irkutsk Polytechnic Institute. Beginning in 2004, I combined postgraduate studies with instructor activity. At that time aikido was an outlet, but now it is a professional hobby.

For me it is important to share knowledge and pass on experience. Training is a great way to teach simple practices that will be useful to everyone. "

Aleksandr Kononov added that he currently holds the master's title (fourth dan).

Aikido techniques are divided into three sections - throwing, breathing, holding and control techniques. The event at the stadium started with the traditional warm-up - aiki-taiso, which includes resource practices, dynamic tests, paired and group exercises.

Participants diligently honed techniques with the help of instructors of "Irkutsk club Ki-Aikido". At the end of the training Aleksandr Kononov masterfully performed one of the throwing techniques of aikido.

"Next year our club will be 25 years old. During this time we have organized many club tournaments, participated in all-Russian competitions. Before the pandemic, we improved our skills at master classes in Japan," says the vice-rector.

At the end of the event the results of the lottery were summed up. Prizes from Irkutsk Technical University were given to the 10 luckiest athletes.

Anna Minaeva, Specialist of Academic Mobility and Resource Centers Department of INRTU, shared her impressions of the training

"I first learned about aikido from Steven Seagal movies. I like the philosophy of the sport - you should feel relaxed when attacking, channeling your opponent's strength against him."