In august 1998 the Japanese delegation at the head of Kenshi Uno (7^th dan Tomiki Aikido) – the director of Japan Aikido Association – visited Kursk for conducting seminars and exams. And soon in the 18^th of December 1998 Gubkin Aikido Club was avowed the official Japan Aikido Association’s department. The founders are: S.N. Bobrikov (the 1^st from left), D.A. Nikulin (the 2^nd from left), A.N. Velikjhanin (the 1^st from right).

Later on members of Club leaded by Denis Nikulin had taken part in different competitions, seminars, festivals. So in may 2000 D.A. Nikulin accompanied Japanese delegation in St. Petersburg came to seminar.

In general in 2000 year representatives of Gubkin Aikido Club took part in the 4^th International Tomiki Aikido Festival, the 2^nd Opened National Tomiki Aikido Championship, friendly match between clubs of Russia and Ukraine. The Gubkin’s team had won twice.

In the 12^th of march 2001 the Gubkin local social organization “Aikido Club” was registered by the Ministry of justice department in Belgorod region (licence №2580).

The 2001^st year was successful for Club’s sportsmen too. They took part in Vladimir’s martial arts festival, the 5^th International Spring Tomiki Aikido festival conducted in Kursk and as a result was the 2^nd place, the 1^st Regional Championship “Friendship Tomiki Aikido Cup” – the 1^st place (look photo).

And of course it’s necessary to say about participation in October 2001^st in International Tomiki Aikido competitions in Osaka. Competitions became memorable because Nikulin Denis had passed the exams for the second dan and after the tournament he was invited for trainings to Kenshi Uno’s dodjo.

The 11^th of august 2002 year became the date of birth of Russian Competitive Aikido Association organized by Russian clubs. Kenshi Uno was elected the president.

At present more than 20 sportsmen from 7 to 40 years old train in Club.