Success of the Franco-Malagasy training in Antananarivo
Success of the Franco-Malagasy training in Antananarivo (Madagascar)
Around twenty French adherents went to Madagascar to assist to the first Franco-Malagasy training course in the occasion of the 7th Taikai of Aiki-jujutsu Takeda-Ryu Maroto-Ha. It is the first time for this French speaking country to welcome such a martial art event, considering it is far from Europe.
The French delegation was welcomed at the Town Hall of Antananarivo by a cocktail and a welcoming speech delivered by the general-secretary of the town. The Malagasy, honoured their country and our school in their azure blue federal uniform.
The following week end, the training courses were led by Serge CHARLOPEAU (7th dan), Christian BARNAVOL (7th dan), Mamy RASTEFANO (6th dan), Renaud SEGUIN (6th dan), Jacques POU (6th dan) and Master MAROTEAUX (9th dan) in a studious atmosphere inside Ankorondrano gymnasium.
Numerous local personalities and members of the government who wanted to discover the different martial disciplines, were seen at a brilliantly executed display which was done following the Japanese tradition.
Each participants were awarded a medal and a certificate for their presence at the training course, and the presidents of the different French regional leagues as well as Patrick RAKOTOSON (the Malagasy federal president) received a magnificent trophy. This trophy was also awarded to all the high rank instructors who led the training course.
Mamy RASTEFANO celebrated his 40th anniversary of martial art practice and Master MAROTEAUX offered him Japanese fan signed by Master YAMAMOTO and gave him his Menkyo-jo of Chuden-Kyohan in Sobu-Jutsu. The celebration diner was held in the Carlton also called “The Heights of Tana” due to the panoramic view it has on the whole town, while the wrap up diner was held at the Riviera Garden Hotel. This concluding diner was animated by the local group “Valih'Tsara” in a festive atmosphere and the French delegation returned absolutely satisfied of their trip and the perfect arrangement of it.
The ESTAM (the principal organizer of the event every two years) heartily thank the UNADA and the SFTM for their partnership as well as the Hotel Carlton and the Hotel Ibis which generously lent a mini bus for the French to use during the week end.