Aikido World

The Aikido International Foundation (AIF) is currently holding its annual raffle. The AIF is an independently run 501(c)3 charity that works closely with the AAA/AAI to help out Aikido groups in need and promote Aikido principles.

This year’s raffle prizes include:

• Brand new Nintendo Wii system
• Aikido Snoopy with Hakama and set of belts (pictured above)
• Scholarships to the AAA Kenshusei program (2)
• Gift certificate to any AAA/AAI seminar
• AAA weapons bag (2)

Tickets can be purchased online at the AIF web site or through mail (see site for details.) Winners will be drawn on September 6th.

Please help support the AIF by buying tickets. 100% of funds raised by the AIF go to support its purpose of:

• Strengthen and preserve the successful transmission of Aikido to future generations
• Become the premier coordinating body for the development and practice of Aikido worldwide
• Promote Aikido to Aikido related and non-related individuals, groups and organizations in a non-discriminatory manner
• Promote the principles of Aikido to local, national, and international communities

All donations are tax deductible in the U.S. as allowed by law.

In November, Kengo Hatayama Shihan from Japan will be traveling to the United States to instruct seminars in Rhode Island and Chicago.

The Chicago seminar will be held at Ryoshinkan Dojo in Palatine, IL from November 13-16, with instruction provided by Hatayama Shihan and AAA Teaching Committee members. It is open to students of any martial art, organization, and rank.

Hatayama Shihan began his Aikido training at the Akita Branch dojo in 1968. He spent from 1978 to early 1981 teaching in West Germany as an assistant to Katsuaki Asai Sensei. He holds the rank of nanadan (7th degree black belt), the title of Shihan, and is the head instructor for Aiki Kenshinkai.

More information for the Chicago seminar, along with a registration form, are available here.

Details on the seminar in Rhode Island are forthcoming.

Stephen Toyoda Sensei was recently in Puerto Rico to instruct a seminar at Shushinkan Dojo in Mayaguez. Here are some pictures from the seminar.