IAF

International Aikido Federation

The International Aikido Federation is the main global organization of aikido. It is an organization that unites organizations from more than 100 countries under one umbrella with the participation of members (for example, the All Japan Aikido Federation is one of the members). All participants must be recognized by the Hombu, so the International Aikido Federation represents only the Aikikai school. The International Aikido Federation is a democratic organization, but the Doshu and the chief instructor council are given a special role to protect the «technical and moral integrity» of aikido. The International Aikido Federation currently allows only one organization from each country to become a member, and each of these organizations is given an equal vote. (This is modeled after UN and does not always give equal representation to Aikikai students). The International Aikido Federation showcases aikido at the World Games and represents world aikido. The International Aikido Federation organizes an International Aikido Congress every four years to facilitate direct training of aikido students from around the world, share instructions among world aikido instructors, and provide a channel for official communication with the Hombu. The International Aikido Federation was founded in 1976.

International Aikido Federation Officials