| |
Aikido is a new Japanese martial art created during
the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba, an expert who reached the highest level of mastery
in the classical Japanese martial arts. Officially recognized by the Japanese
government in 1940, the Aikikai Foundation (Aikido World Headquarters) is the
parent organization for the development and popularization of Aikido throughout
the world. Under the leadership of Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu, instructorsare teaching
Aikido according to the ideals of the Founder (Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei) to students
in Japan and throughout the world. | |
| Activities of Aikido World Headquarters
and related bodies |
Aikikai
World Headquarters
Current
Activities
Since contemporary values stress respect for human life,
Aikido is a highly relevant form of the Japanese martial arts. Aikido is popular
not just in Japan but throughout the world because people accept and agree with
the underlying philosophy of Aikido. Instructors from the Aikido World Headquarters
are dispatched to countries throughout North and South America, Europe, and Southeast
Asia. Transcending boundaries of race and nationality, Aikido is practiced and
loved by over 1.2 million people in more than fifty countries around the world.
Future Prospects
As travel, work, and study
abroad have now become commonplace, Aikido is spreading internationallybecause
it can be viewed as a "product of a shared cultural heritage," culture
not bound to any one nation or people-a legacy which can contribute to peace and
prosperity. Seen as such, expectations for Aikido's role in the coming century
are great.
Related Bodies
IAF
In 1975, to unite Aikido practitioners from around the world, the International
Aikido Federation (IAF) was formed, paving the way for Aikido activities to be
conducted on a truly global scale.
GAISF
The IAF became a Member of the General Association of International Sports Federations
(GAISF) at the GAISF General Meeting in Monte Carlo, Monaco in 1984, and participated
in the Third World Games held in Karlsruhe, West Germany in 1989.
JOCV
Commensurate to the development of Aikido throughout the world, requests to send
Aikido experts to teach around the world surged from groups such as the Japan
Foundation and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers of the Japan International
Cooperation Agency. JOCV volunteers teach Aikido for two years in the local country
and Japan Foundation participants stay for a variety of lengths on several programs.
|
|
