Aikikai

Aikido is a Japanes Martial Art created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba(1883-1969), an expert tho reached the highest level of mastery in the classical Japanese Martial Arts. Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and readirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. Aikido has not competiton. The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skil, but rather imporoving ones character according to the rules of nature. “AI” – means “Harmony”, “KI” – spiritual energy, “DO” – life path. From the technical point of view, this news material art inherited a lot from jiu-jitsu, kendo, and philosophy as the main direction towards harmony throughout harmony in body and mind. Aikido Hombu Dojo was built in 1931.

Under Doshu, a great number of Shihan and Shidoin unite intheir efforts to commint to the development and enhancement of practice as the centre of Aikido was officially recognised by the Japanese government in 1940, the Aikikai Foundation is the parent organisation for the development and popularisation of Aikido throughout the world. Morihei Ueshiba was teaching Aikido until he passed away in 1969 at the age of 86. After death, his son Kissemaru Uesiba became a head of the organization (1921-1999). At present, Morihei Ueshiba has succeeded his ather as Aikido Doshu. The Aikikai Foundation is an association that was established in order to support inheritance in 130 countries around the world. Sixty years have passed since the spread of Aikido overseas began. During this time, Aikido has bescome established in 130 countries.

Aikido has taken root all over the world because it is recognized as a way to train the mind and body, and as such, its value extends beyond race and border. As a result of overseas promotion activites, in 1976, the International Aikido Federation (IAF) was established, the General Assembly of the Federation has been held every four years. In 1984, the International Aikido Federation became official member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Voluntary activities by international organizations and leaders dispatched by Japan Governament Foundation, Leaders dispatched by Senior Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and Youth of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also become active. Aikido is expected internationally now as a new culture of humanity in the 21st century.