Rooted in the vision of Ō-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, who saw true Budo as a way of building peace, and inspired by the lifelong teaching of Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan, the Aikido Festival brings practitioners together on the tatami to experience harmony through practice. Since 2011, this international gathering has welcomed aikidoka from all over the world to train, share, and rediscover beginner’s mind beyond borders and styles. In 2026, under the direction of Tamura Shihan’s successor, Nebi Vural Sensei, the 14th Aikido Festival invites you to Turkey—where Asia and Europe meet—to embody peace through movement, practice, and shared spirit.
Where
Middle East Technical University Bilkent University
When
13-17 May 2026 Wednesday to Sunday
You can find all relevant information and complete your registration through our registration form. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email. Once you receive this email, your registration will be considered complete. In case of any changes, please contact us as soon as possible at contact@aikidofestival.com. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable festival.
Since 2000, Eurasia Aikido Organization (EAO) has brought together more than 200 clubs and nearly 20,000 practitioners under the same vision. As one of the most important independent international Aikido organizations, EAO follows the path opened by its founder Nebi Vural and his master Nobuyoshi Tamura, transmitting not only techniques but a way of life rooted in Budō. Through its worldwide seminars, the organization keeps building bridges between generations and cultures, allowing aikidoka to walk a common path of discipline, respect, and self-discovery. EAO carries the responsibility of honoring its past while shaping the future of Aikido.
Our Instructor
Nebi Vural
Nebi VURALwas born in 1951 in Turkey and has started training martial arts at the age of 15. He has devoted himself to the teachings of Nobuyoshi TAMURA Shihan, whom he has met in 1973 in France, where he went in order to pursue his higher education. Nebi VURAL Sensei was in close contact with japanese masters, moreover being a hard working student, profoundly attached to his Master, Nebi VURAL Sensei is known as a perfect follower and serves an example of loyalty. Along with being the Technical Director of Eurasia Aikido Organization, Nebi VURAL is also a Technical Advisor of Aikido Federations in many countries. His most important duty is to train Aikido instructors. He has been giving seminars in different countries of Europe and Asia each week, for many years now. He is the creator and mentor of International Aikido Festival.
Festival Venues
Middle East Technical University
The main venue for the festival will be Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Türkiye, a world-renowned research university with a long tradition of academic excellence. Founded in 1956 and offering education entirely in English, METU nurtures creative and critical thinking across its extensive campus. Its vibrant international community and strong legacy of innovation make it an inspiring setting for our international festival.
Festival Venues
Bilkent University
The opening ceremony will be held at Bilkent University. Established to foster excellence in education, research, and the arts, Bilkent has earned a strong international reputation over the years. Its intellectually rich and culturally active environment sets the tone for the days that follow.
The People Behind the Festival
Our Team
Kurt VURAL President of EAO
Tuna GÖZEL President of EAO Türkiye
Utku HAVUÇ Head of Committee
Tayfun EVYAPAN International Relations
Nergis Bilge KARABULUT Accommodations Responsible
Deniz Kaan YAZICI Transportation Responsible
Zübeyir Talha YILDIRIM Official Issues Responsible
Ezgi YAZICI Equipment Responsible
Ayfer CEYHAN Documentation Officer
Prof. Dr. Ali UTKAN Medical Committee Chair
Trusted Hands Behind Us
Our Partners
Be a Part of the Festival
Register Now!
Backed by years of organizational experience, we coordinate all transportation, accommodation, and meal arrangements from your arrival onward. Our aim is to provide a seamless and well-organized environment throughout the festival. This allows participants to devote their full attention to practice and training. All details concerning fees, accommodation options, and logistics are available in the registration form below.
