Magyar verzió / Hungarian version

Mitsuteru Ueshiba
Aikido Seminar Budapest
October 23–25, 2026

• January 2, 2025
• Ferenc Németh
• September 25, 2026

Update: the full seminar pass is available for 120 EUR only until September 30. From October 1 the price rises to 140 EUR. If you haven't registered yet, do it now at hombudojocho2026.hu!

More than just a seminar: A Unique International Aikido Festival

The aikido world is once again preparing for something truly special: invited by Aikikai Hungary, Mitsuteru Ueshiba, the great-grandson of Aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba, will visit Hungary in October 2026. However, this event will be much more than a traditional training camp: it is a visual and energetic experience, a true Aikido Festival where we can experience the power of the source up close.

This is not Waka Sensei's first visit: on June 14–16, 2019 he taught a seminar at the very same venue, MOM Sport, which remains one of the most memorable events of the Hungarian aikido community. The 2026 visit is therefore also a homecoming of sorts, and it is no coincidence that Saturday's program closes with an anniversary dinner and party.

An Exclusive Experience in the Heart of Europe: Breathable Tatami, Uncrowded Event

At international seminars held by prominent masters, huge crowds are a common phenomenon, where participants can often only observe the master from a distance. The special appeal of the Budapest event lies precisely in offering a much more human-scale, comfortable alternative for both foreign and local practitioners.

Thanks to Budapest's excellent logistical and tourist appeal, the city is easily accessible for aikidokas from neighboring countries, turning the event into a true international meeting point.

Those who attend will actually have room to move, and most importantly: you will truly be able to see Waka Sensei on the tatami. You will have the space to observe his dynamics and absorb the pure energy represented by the head of the Hombu Dojo and the future Doshu of aikido.

The Legacy of the Esteemed Ueshiba Family

Before discussing Mitsuteru Ueshiba's work, it's worth recalling the path aikido took during the twentieth century. The creator of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) – often referred to simply as "O-Sensei" (Great Teacher) – dedicated many years to creating a martial art where traditional Japanese techniques, spiritual development, and the pursuit of a peaceful path all take center stage. Thanks to his work, aikido gradually spread worldwide, becoming one of the most popular Japanese martial arts.

The family legacy was passed down through generations. Morihei Ueshiba's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1921–1999), took over the leadership of the Hombu Dojo, followed by his grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba (born 1951), the current Aikido Doshu. The youngest adult representative of the Ueshiba family, Mitsuteru Ueshiba, is known as "Waka Sensei" or "Young Teacher": in keeping with the iemoto tradition, he is expected to succeed his father as Doshu and to carry forward the family traditions in the coming decades.

Who is Mitsuteru Ueshiba?

Mitsuteru Ueshiba was born on June 27, 1981 in Tokyo. He grew up in the atmosphere of the Hombu Dojo, absorbing the fundamentals of practicing and teaching aikido from the very beginning. From a young age, it was natural for him to spend a significant part of his time on the tatami, mastering the refined movements of aikido step by step.

Since April 2012 he has been the head (dojocho) of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, responsible for the daily operation, classes and teaching staff of the headquarters dojo in Tokyo. This is why the official invitations refer to him as "Hombu Dojocho". He also regularly leads the major Aikikai events, such as the annual All Japan Aikido Demonstration featured in the video above.

As a young teacher, he gradually took on an increasingly important role in the life of the Hombu Dojo, assisting his father, Moriteru Ueshiba, and traveling regularly to international seminars where he meets aikidokas from all over the world. In 2020 he published a book on the fundamentals of aikido, which puts progress built on correct basic practice at its center. Meeting the demands of the modern era, he places great emphasis on preserving the traditional lineage in every class while remaining open to innovation. His teaching methods display a youthful momentum and persuasive power that many find inspiring.

Mitsuteru Ueshiba's Teaching Style

Those who have attended Mitsuteru Ueshiba's seminars or seen him teach highlight his approachability and openness. International reports often describe his style as "graceful yet powerful," emphasizing smooth, precise timing over raw physical strength. In his interpretation, the coordinated work of uke and tori—the attacker and the defender—is particularly prominent, making his aikido highly flexible and flowing.

Although an event of this size is not the place for detailed, individual biomechanical corrections, Waka Sensei focuses on the roots of the movements. His aim is not simply to teach forms, but to show the principles behind them, the importance of breathing and the redirection of the attacker's energy from a broader perspective.

It is worth knowing that Hombu Dojo seminars usually move at a brisk pace: little explanation, lots of practice and frequent partner changes. Those who arrive with an open mind and change partners freely get the most out of the weekend, because working with practitioners of different builds and from different schools is the real value of an international seminar like this.

How to Participate?

Whether you are a local or international practitioner, participating in such an event that provides comfortable space on the tatami is an unparalleled opportunity. The seminar is open to all practitioners, regardless of grade or style.

You can register on the official website: hombudojocho2026.hu. Payment is made online by bank card (Barion). Additionally, be sure to follow the official website of Aikikai Hungary and its social media platforms.

Dates & Locations:

• Main Event (October 24–25): MOM Sport Uszoda és Sportközpont (1123 Budapest, Csörsz u. 14-16.)
• Youth Training (October 23): Honvéd Judo Terem (1134 Budapest, Tüzér utca 56.)
• Anniversary Dinner & Party (October 24): NOVOTEL Budapest City (1123 Budapest, Alkotás u. 63-67.)

Program and Schedule:

Ticket Prices (Full seminar):

• Until May 31, 2026: 80 EUR (Expired)
• Until August 31, 2026: 100 EUR (Expired)
• Until September 30, 2026: 120 EUR
• From October 1, 2026: 140 EUR (single-session tickets available from this date for 45 EUR)
• Youth training ticket: 15 EUR
• Anniversary Dinner & Party: 55 EUR per person (limited to 50 guests, formal dress code)

Please note: according to the organizers, the registration fee cannot be refunded in case of cancellation, so register only if you are sure you can attend.

Practical Tips for the Weekend:

• Arrive early. Registration opens at 8:00 on both days and the opening ceremony starts at 10:00. Check-in at an international seminar takes longer than usual.
• Two keikogi are not a luxury. There are two sessions a day with a break of several hours in between. A dry change makes the afternoon session far more enjoyable.
• Bring zori (sandals) for moving around off the tatami, and a small towel.
• Long lunch break. There are almost three hours between the two sessions, and there are plenty of places to eat around MOM Sport and in the neighboring MOM Park shopping center.
• Photo and demonstrations. On Saturday the group photo and the demonstrations follow the 2nd session. If you don't practice but are curious about Waka Sensei, this is the best part of the program to watch.
• Traveling from abroad? MOM Sport is in Buda, a few minutes from Déli railway station and well served by trams and buses. Book accommodation early, as late October is a popular time in Budapest.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I attend the seminar as a beginner? Yes. The event is open to all practitioners, regardless of grade or style.
• Can I buy a ticket for a single training session? Yes, single-session tickets are available from October 1, 2026 for 45 EUR. If you plan to attend more than one session, the full seminar pass is the better deal.
• Will I get a refund if I cancel? No. According to the organizers, the registration fee cannot be refunded in case of cancellation.
• Is the anniversary dinner included in the seminar pass? No. The dinner requires a separate ticket at 55 EUR per person, limited to 50 guests. Formal dress code applies.

The members of Yurusu Aikido are preparing for the event together. If you would like to join us for the weekend, or have any questions about the seminar, contact us using the details at the bottom of the page. See you on the tatami!