I encountered the word aikido on 1992 while going through a movie review of Steven Seagal. Then eventually I saw the movie and made up my mind if there is anything I want to learn that is AIKIDO.

I am one of those lucky ones practicing aikido since the dawn of aikido in India. My first teacher was Sylvie Wiedmann. But meeting Sensei Paritos Kar is the most memorable aikido experience.

It was a Monday evening when I first met Sensei Kar. Although I trained with people physically stronger then me and European masters naturally of bigger built. May be that could be the reason I never realized the true essence of aikido and the power of big circular movements. After a brief conversation I felt that I am with someone who really understand a student’s mind and who can impart the knowledge. He is not only an Indian who lived and practiced in Japan under some very renowned masters. He is also an excellent human being full of humor and has this amazing capability to laugh under any circumstances. In one word, a true aikidoka with one intention to spread aikido and O-Sensei’s message of peace.

Rana Dutta
(July’ 2005)