Dear friends!

It's hard for an old man like me to believe that it's almost the end of the year. This congratulation will apply to the end of the year, and to the new year.

The year passed very quickly. My last seminar just finished this year in Vienna, Austria, where I had a wonderful time and was very warmly welcomed, as well as in all other places where I held seminars this year.
You will not believe it, but I've been in Europe seven times this year and spent more time here than in New York.
During my trips, I got the impression that people get the same pleasure from tatami classes as I do, spending time with you.
In each of my visits, I see a noticeable improvement in the quality of your aikido. I am very happy and proud of it.

The New Year is just around the corner and I'm looking forward to another significant year. It is a great honor for me to receive invitations from you to visit different countries and it is very unpleasant for me to refuse because of the very tight schedule. I really hope that you understand this.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!