CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Charles Vincent Villafuerte!!

AWARDING OF SHODAN CERTIFICATE of Dr. Charles Vincent Villafuerte – February 24, 2020

Doc Charles, as his co-akidoka calls him, joined Sacred Heart Aikido Center – Cebu (SHACC) under Benson Rafanan sensei (5th dan aikikai). He began his traditional aikido journey by formally enrolling as a new student (beginner status as a sign of respect to both his previous aikido sensei and Benson sensei) in the last week of May in 2014. He practiced regularly 2 to 3x per week and 5 years later, in December 1, 2019, with the guidance of Benson Rafanan sensei, he took and passed the Shodan exam conducted by Hiroshi Fujimaki Shihan (7th dan aikikai) at UP Los Baños, Laguna, with Angelie Buhay as his uke. Thus, this marks a new chapter in his aikido journey as a true beginner.