My name is Raphaël and I am 10 years old. I am almost bilingual French-English. I’m a purple belt (4th Kyu Han) and an ITP (Joshu). I have been practicing aikido for over 3 years, for at least 5 hours a week. I participated in several seminars/sleepover seminars organized by the Victoria Aikikai dojo. I also attended a day of camp at the Big Rock Aikikai dojo in Calgary.
Aikido helps me a lot in terms of my self-confidence, my self-control and forces me to open myself up to others. It also helps me in English and keeps me strong and flexible. I like being an ITP because I have special responsibilities that help me be more patient, adapt to others and make me a better leader.