Ljubomir Vračarević
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| Ljubomir Vračarević | |
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| Born | May 6, 1947 Varaždin, Croatia. |
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| Occupation | Aikido |
Ljubomir Vračarević (Serbian Cyrillic: Љубомир Врачаревић), is a Serbian martial artist and founder of Real Aikido.
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[edit] Personal history
In 1971 he obtained shodan rank in aikido.[citation needed] During his first training in Japan in 1978 he stayed in the Aikikai Hombu dojo, with Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the son of the founder of aikido Morihei Ueshiba.[citation needed] Taking into consideration the knowledge and prestige of Japanese masters, Ljubomir was aspiring towards his style based on construction, mentality and tradition. His work in the military and police force during the seventies[citation needed] inspired him to start perfecting the practical aspect of aikido. This would allow him to increase the use of effective techniques in real situations.
During his second stay in Tokyo in 1993 at Yoshinkan (the school of Gozo Shioda), his way of thinking was confirmed. Even though he was working in his own style, by the end of his stay he received great honor. He got to meet great Shioda, who rarely received visitors because of his age. Shioda honored him with a diploma that he personally signed.[citation needed]
[edit] Bodyguard instruction
Vracarevic's international reputation allowed receipt of his methods through programs for special training of military, police and bodyguards. In the past twenty years he has instructed security and bodyguards for the Presidents of Zimbabwe, Libya, Macedonia, Republic of Serbia and Slovenia.[citation needed] So far in his career, Vračarević has held more than 150 seminars worldwide. Clubs of Real Aikido were host to more than 120,000 students.[1]
[edit] Children's instruction
His special area of teaching is the Real Aikido school for kids. He works with kids aged 5 to 12 through a program called “With play to Master”, which is adjusted to children's physical and mental needs. Real Aikido is included in Serbian elementary school curriculum from 2005 as elective subject [2].
[edit] Published works
Vračarević is author of 12 books and videos dealing with Real Aikido and self-defense. The books are written in Serbian, while some of them were translated to Russian or English. These include: “Defense From Knife”, “Aikido-Judo”, “Defense Without Fear” (self-defense for women), “I Was Training The Bodyguards”, ”Real Aikido”, “From Beginner to Master”, “Licence for Trainer”, and “Knife, Gun, Stick Techniques”.[3]
[edit] Awards
There are many domestic and international awards that Vračarević has received in his career. He has Shodan in judo and jujutsu.[citation needed] He is technical director of Russian Real Aikido Federation, member of Euro-Asian Committee Kyokushinkai,[citation needed] honor president of Wushu Federation area Shenyang-China,[citation needed] president of the Sports Commission for Royal National Centre (Yugoslavia),[citation needed] honour member of MAA (international association of combat skills with headquarters in Germany),[4] founder and president of World Centre of Real Aikido. [5]
Vračarević is an instructor in IBSSA (International Bodyguard & Security Association)[6]. He is also a college professor for sport trainers in Belgrade. He is a regular member of Russian Science Academy of Earth,[citation needed] and regular member of International Science Academy for National Security Problems.[citation needed]
In August 2002 the United States Martial Arts Association elected Vracarevic to its Hall of Fame and awarded him the title Grandmaster, black belt 10th dan, Sōke.[7] This award is not recognized by any of the mainstream aikido organizations such as Aikikai and Yoshinkan.
He is also honor General of USSR/Russian Army and trained their special forces (called Specnaz or Spetsnaz).[citation needed]
[edit] Film appearances
Vracarevic had small roles in movies "Kako je propao rokenrol" (Devastation of Rock'n'roll), where he played ninja instructor and "Sejtanov ratnik" (Devil's warrior) in which he appeared as himself.
[edit] References
- ^ JAT Review article, 2001 (Yugoslav Airlines Magazine) (hosted on www.wcra.co.yu))
- ^ Serbian government official site; information on inclusion of Real Aikido in school curriculum (Serbian)
- ^ National Library of Serbia, book index
- ^ MAA associated member list
- ^ World Center of Real Aikido Official Site
- ^ List of IBSSA Official Training Centers
- ^ World Center of Real Aikido Official Site, 10th DAN Diploma
