Radek Růžička: ABOUT A REAL FIGHT
A reflection on the differences between the real fight and the martial arts tuition on the tatami for which tolerance, consecutive training and firm rules are typical. The real fight involves fear of pain, and even death, thrill of the result and unpredictable consequences. Pain and fear ought not to be a quality criterion in any dojo. The teachers demon-strate the techniques precisely and slowly, so that everybody could understand them. One has no chance to notice any details in a real fight. Pupils have to practise the techniques, not to scramble.

Vladislav Kukačka: HOW TO BREATHE CORRECTLY
After a brief description of physiological and psychological aspects of breathing the author brings 6 following prin-ciples of correct breathing: slow and deep breathing, breathing through the nose, full breathe making the optimal use of the lungs capacity, controlled breathing, regular rhythm and the nature of breathing. The list of 5 relevant literal titles completes the article.

Darja Kawasumi: THE HISTORY OF TEA CEREMONY (part II)
The author goes on in her detailed historical survey of tea ceremony in context with all social consequences starting with the monk Murata Juko, who returned the tea ceremony to the humble roots and engraved more Japanese charac-ter in it in the 15th century. Sen No Rikyu (16th century) is considered to be the spiritual father of today’s tea cere-mony. Periods of decline followed by reformation periods have been accompanying the whole development of chanoyu until now. Women’s influence and the spiritual lack consequent to the technical boom are the most typical features of the tea ceremony in the 20th century. The family schools system iemoto may save the spiritual and cultural value of the tea ceremony, provided they reflect a certain heaviness of their behaviour and change it into an efficient service for the fellow creatures.

Vladimír Hotovec: KYOTO – MAGIC OF GARDENS
For the author, whose portrait has been published in Aikido 2/97, was the year 1999 very busy, he made several journeys, the last one to Japan. The programme of his Japanese week was rather exacting, nevertheless in the end he found some time to visit two of the famous Japanese gardens in Kyoto. He was so impressed by the magic of them that he wanted to share his impressions with the Aikido readers. A man perceives by all the senses the harmonic beauty made by the nature with the help of careful human interventions. Music and illumination intensify the peace and calm harmony that make you stop, relax and recover the substantial things of our lives. These moments must be highly appreciated.

The 5th BUDO FESTIVAL
P. Beneš – Budenkan Karatedo Praha, V. Hotovec – Iaido Kenyukan Praha and M. Kodym – Aikido Kenkyukai Praha are the organisers of the anniversary 5th Budo Festival. This top event sponsored by the Prague Embassy of Japan, the Czech-Japanese Society and the Prague council presents Japanese martial arts and traditional cultural and art disciplines in the Czech Republic. It is planned for June 10–11, 2000. Though many outstanding guests in many disciplines from all over the world promised their presence, the Festival is still in the stage of preparation because of the lack of money. Please accept this information as an appeal for your ideas, proposals and contacts with Maece-nases willing to help.

Radek Lanc: CZECH EXPEDITION SUCCEEDED IN THE 5th EUROPEAN IAIDO CHAMPIONSHIP
The Iaido Championship took place in Brighton, Great Britain. The Czech representatives V. Hotovec, R. Lanc and. V. Hyndrák occupied the admirable 5th place among 11 national teams. V. Hyndrák won the silver medal in the 1st dan category, R. Lanc gained the bronze medal in the 2nd dan category. An international iaido and jodo tutorial lead by Japa-nese masters and iaido examinations supervised by the All Japan Kendo Federation delegation accompanied the Champi-onship. The Czech team was successful again (R. Lanc – 1st jodo kyu, V. Hyndrák – the 2nd iaido dan, R. Lanc – the 3rd iaido dan) and proved a high iaido tuition standard in the Czech Republic.

Periodical section:
Miroslav Kodym: TAKEN FROM THE AKP LIFE
Author’s observations and glosses this time on: Regional CAA Tutorial organised by AC Šumperk, lead by M. Kodym in Šumperk, Oct 29–31; Regional CAA Tutorial organised by Tógó Chomutov, lead by M. Kodym in Chomutov, Nov 6–7; Regional CAA Tutorial organised by Watashi Tachi No Dojo Zlín, lead by M. Kodym in Zlín, Nov 13–14; CAA Winter School 99 in Prague lead by M. Ikeda Shihan, the CAA Technical Director and his assis-tant D. Vetter, Nov 27–28; AKP and AKTP Tutorial and examinations lead by M. Kodym, TJ Spoje Praha, Dec 11–12; AKP Christmas 99; the 8th AKP Misogi 99.