Aikido in Cebu - Sacred Heart Aikido Center Cebu

🥋 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧: 𝗔𝗜𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗢 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗨𝗖𝗟𝗠

Day 1 of the relaunch of the Aikido Training Program for the NSA/NTC lady cadets at the University of Cebu–Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) yesterday kicked off with a focused session on the fundamentals of Aikido.

Under the guidance of Benson Sensei, the cadets went back to the basics—learning and practicing Tai Sabaki (body movement), Ukemi (safe falling and rolling), and basic escape and evade techniques.

More than just physical techniques, Aikido teaches awareness, balance, discipline, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively under pressure.

A strong first day—and a great start to the cadets’ Aikido journey. Train well, stay grounded, and keep moving forward. 🥋

Here's the news segment from DotTv Nationwide featuring last Tuesday's relaunch of the Aikido training program for NTC/NSA cadettes at the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) campus.

Our sincere thanks to DotTV Nationwide for covering and helping promote this meaningful initiative. We truly appreciate your support in showcasing the value of Aikido training for our future maritime professionals.

UCLM Cadets Train in Aikido Through Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, UCLM Cadets Train in Aikido Through Norwegian Shipowners’ Associati...

The Norwegian Training Center / Norwegian Shipowners' Association (NTC/NSA) officially relaunched its Aikido training program for cadets at the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) campus on Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, 2026.

The program is made possible through the partnership of NTC/NSA, the Filipino Federation of Aikido (FFA), with Sacred Heart Aikido Center Cebu (SHACC) serving as the federation's official training provider in Cebu, and UCLM.

Designed to help prepare future seafarers for the demands of the maritime industry, the training places special emphasis on building confidence, discipline, situational awareness, and practical self-defense skills—particularly among women cadets.

During the relaunch, SHACC members led by Benson Rafanan Sensei demonstrated the fundamental Aikido techniques that the cadets will learn throughout the year. They also showcased advanced techniques and ukemi (safe falling methods) to give the cadets a glimpse of what can be achieved through consistent training and dedication.

We extend our sincere gratitude to NTC/NSA for once again placing its trust in the FFA and SHACC to help develop not only capable cadets, but also disciplined, resilient, and future-ready maritime professionals.

Special thanks to Mr. Larry Gonzales, NSA Cadet Manager; Ms. Nova Erika Mae Ramos-Modelo, NSA Cadet and Documentation Officer; Engr. Jemmalyn Quiapo, NSA Training and Development Officer; and Ms. Rosalie Mongcal, UCLM-NSA Admin Coordinator, for their administrative leadership and executive backing.

We look forward to another year of empowering cadets through Aikido—instilling discipline, resilience, and the mindset needed to thrive both at sea and in life.

Congratulations to our fellows at the Makati Aikido Club (MAC) and the Filipino Federation of Aikido (FFA) on the successful launch of the second cycle of the specialized Aikido program in partnership with the Norwegian Training Center/Norwegian Shipowners' Association (NSA).

We are proud to be part of the FFA family and look forward to supporting this meaningful program as we initiate our own launching at the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue campus next month.

Congratulations once again, and may this initiative continue to inspire and empower many more through the spirit of Aikido.

BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES — The Norwegian Training Center/ Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), in partnership with the Filipino Federation of Aikido (FFA) and the Makati Aikido Club(MAC), has launched the second cycle of its specialized Aikido program at the Lyceum International Maritime Academy - LIMA.

The initiative aims to build physical resilience and leadership boundaries for maritime cadets—particularly women preparing to enter a historically male-dominated industry.

The first semester of schoolyear 2026-27 was the successful pilot of the aikido program. Going forward, the program expands with direct backing from Norwegian shipowners and Philippine martial arts leaders.

"My team and I did not step onto this deck today just to introduce a standard physical education elective," said NSA Cadet Manager Larry Gonzales at Tuesday's launch. "If this were just an optional box-checking exercise, I would have sent a memo from my desk in Manila."

The curriculum—led on-site by Sensei Billy de Leon of the Makati Aikido Club —focuses on leverage, balance breaking, and non-violent redirection (tai sabaki) to help female officers establish authority and protect professional boundaries in high-stress shipboard environments.

The launch event showcased technical demonstrations by recently promoted yellow belt and by senior aikido practitioners from Makati Aikido Club. MAC senior aikidoists demonstrated advanced free-form techniques (jiyuwaza).

Following the Batangas relaunch, FFA affiliates SHACC - Sacred Heart Aikido Center Cebu in Cebu City and Kannagara Dojo in Davao City will conduct similar rollouts in coming days.