Aikido World

Glen Matsuda Sensei (6th dan) will be instructing a seminar in Puerto Rico October 31 - November 2. The seminar is open to students of any martial art or rank, and from any organization.

For more information, please see the seminar flyer, which includes times, costs, and directions.

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.

There will be a seminar this weekend in Villa del Prado, near Madrid, Spain. Instruction is provided by Maite Fuertemoreno (sandan) and Paco Garrido Merchán (sandan).

On Saturday, the seminar will begin with a Japanese food and will continue with training until the night with a break to see aikido books and video. On Sunday will start with meditation followed by weapons training with Sensei Paco Garrido, aikido sandan and also a student of kendo and iaido. In the evening, examinations will be held.

More information is available at AIKISUR or in the Seminar flyer.

James Nakayama Sensei (Western Regional Director) will be in Logan, Utah this August 15 - 17 for a seminar hosted by Jyushinkan dojo. More information after the jump.  For the flyer  click here. (more…)

The Aikido International Foundation (AIF) has created a new webpage. Please, visit it here.

We very much appreciate your support and look forward to hearing suggestions and how the AIF could assist you or your dojo.

Contact AikidoAif@gmail.com or click here.

Martin Katz Sensei (godan, 5th degree black belt), dojo cho of Ryushinkan dojo in San Diego, will be in Slovenia this November 28th through 30th.

Katz Sensei (an AAA National Teaching Committee Member) will be hosted by Shodokan dojo in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

For those who are interested in coming to Japan this fall to celebrate Kobayashi Dojo’s 40th Anniversary, please visit this link:

http://www.cup.com/kobayashi-dojo/english/40th_events/40th_events.htm

Please, fill out the application for each event and submit by deadline of June 30 or July 20 (depending on the event).

We are looking forward to seeing all of you in Japan!