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Ai – Harmony, unity; balance; to be in accord or to join with.

Ki – Spirit; life- force; universal creative energy.

Do – The way or path.

From Saotome Sensei:

“The movement of Aikido is the dynamic movement of the universal energy forces. The power of Aikido is the power of a strong and unified spirit, mind and body moving in harmony with everything in and around it. Its origin is Budo. Its development is the result of two thousand years of a cultural process of change and refinement, a continuing martial contest of natural selection. It is an evolution etched in blood.”

The study of Budo and the development of Aikido was the life work of Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei (Great Teacher), a figure of great renown who traveled the length and breadth of Japan studying under the greatest masters of many arts. Hard work, severe discipline and all the money he could earn were poured into his mastery of the sword, the spear and the arts of self-defense. Deeply interested in the study of spiritual thought, he had also practiced many different spiritual disciplines. Yet he was unable to unite his spiritual beliefs with his physical accomplishments.

A short time after returning from military action in the Russo-Japanese War, he retired to a small house located on a mountain outside his village. There he lived and studied silently; his days spent training his body and his nights spent deep in prayer. It was at the end of this time of severe training that he had the realization he had been seeking all his life. At that moment nature’s process became clear and he knew that the source of Budo is the spirit of protection of all things.

“Budo is not felling the opponent by force; nor is it a tool to lead the world into destruction by arms. True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, protect and cultivate all beings in nature.“

Morihei Ueshiba intimately recognized and understood the harmony and power of the creative process form which all things evolve. His art was the sword; his creative way was Budo. His understanding and enlightenment is creatively expressed by the protection of all life through a powerful and graphic application of universal truth. Aikido is creation, not destruction. It is a positive energy which creates harmony and justice out of violence.

osensei

To talk of harmony and justice is simple. But to apply those principles to the conflicts which we face everyday requires a deep understanding and sincere trust. Logic may tell us that truth lies within the process of harmony, but the moment something of value rests on the outcome of a situation we no longer trust that logic. The beautiful ideas and eloquent phrases are forgotten under the pressures of reality. In philosophy a theory of truth is expressed in words, but the truth of Aikido is expressed in action, the theory proven in practice. By the physical application of its principles we develop a deeper understanding in the heart instead of the mind. Through practice and experience, we learn to trust its power.

Aikido training is to challenge yourself, not the other. You will develop confidence by facing your fears, and negative fighting spirit will become creative fighting spirit. The stress and pressure of serious Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface, exposing it so that it can be examined and refined in a controlled atmosphere of respect and mutual study. Discovering your physical limitations will cause you to reflect on the deepest meanings of harmony and conflict, and to strive for a level of consciousness above the selfish ego, closer to a universal consciousness.

The physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of the principles of the spirit. Negative force is not met with conflict, but joined, controlled and redirected through the power and and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all the energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. Its sincere practice and study deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature’s balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, with other people, and with ourselves.

This is the essence of Budo. It is not the art of fighting, or narrow technique, but an art of personal refinement and of protecting the quality of life. Aikido is first and always Budo. Without the heart of a warrior and the deep desire to protect society, to protect all life, Aikido becomes an empty dance. Budo is its spirit.”

These principles are the life blood of Master Instructor, Mitsugi Saotome. For fifteen years until the Founder’s passing in 1969, Saotome Sensei lived as his personal disciple, studying under his guidance the practice and philosophy of Aikido. In 1975 Saotome Sensei left a highly respected position as a senior instructor at the World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo to come to the United States. When asked why he made this decision he replied, “I meditated on O Sensei’s spirit for three days and three nights and I felt it was his wish that I should go. This country is a great experiment, a melting pot of people from many different cultural backgrounds living together, the world condensed into one nation. The goal of Aikido and O Sensei’s dream is that all the peoples of the world live together as one family, in harmony with each other and with their environment. The United States has the opportunity to set a great example.”

Saotome Sensei is Chief Instructor of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, the Aikido Shobukan Dojo in Washington DC and the Aiki Shrine Dojo in Florida. He and his students have established many dojos in the United States and he conducts training camps and seminars throughout the country and abroad. The Aikido dojos he founded in Japan are still thriving and he has traveled there to teach and give demonstrations. He has given demonstrations of his art throughout the world. He is an artist working in calligraphy, painting and sculpture and his three books “Aikido and the Harmony of Nature,” “The Principles of Aikido” and “A Light on Transmission” (subtitled “The Teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido”) have been translated into many different languages.

ASU-Logo-Vector (1).gif   The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba

(ASU), established by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan in 1975, is the membership organization that affiliates all of the Aikido dojos under the instruction of Saotome Shihan and his senior students. ASU is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is recognized by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan as an international Aikido organization. Currently there are over 100 ASU member dojos in North America with around 700 active yudansha.

The ASU is under the general management of its Executive Board, consisting of seven senior instructors. Mitsugi Saotome Sensei and Patty Saotome Sensei are special advisors to the Board, which meets regularly to conduct business and to hold Town-Hall meetings with the membership. An Advisory Council has been established to introduce fresh ideas and to communicate the interests and concerns of the general membership to the Board. In addition, Examination, Instructional and various other committees have been established to advise the Board in the general functioning of ASU, especially with regard to the quality of our Aikido and the consistency of training opportunities for all ASU members.

ASU is an inclusive and non-discriminatory organization that values the growth and educational fulfilment of all of its members, as well as strong mutual support between its member Dojos. In addition, ASU reaches out in friendship to all Aikido practitioners, regardless of affiliation, as well as to all Aikido organizations, with the aim of advancing O Sensei’s Aikido in the world.

Requirements for Promotion

Requirements for Kyu Promotion –

The examination system in Aikido is not structured on competition. You will be graded on the following points.
  • Your understanding of basic technique appropriate to your level.
  • Your spontaneous movement and response appropriate for the attack.
  • Your ability to adapt your movement to the force of the attack.
  • The concentration and awareness you maintain throughout the examination.
  • Continuity of movement is important, not speed.
  • Confidence and courage are important, not ego.
  • Be prepared to uke for someone else of your same level during the examination period. You will be graded on your ukemi.Technique should be demonstrated continuously both right and left until there is a signal to stop. Both irimi and tenkan movement should be used whenever applicable. You will be expected to know and respond to the Japanese terms. It is necessary to have completed the required number of days of training (each training day counts once, regardless of number of hours, in computing time requirements) and it is necessary that the waiting period between each examination has expired.
  • All techniques should be presented with omote and ura  
6th Kyu (Rokyu) / 30 days / 3 months
  • Katate dori
    • Irimi
    • Tenkan
    • Kokyunage
    • Sumiotoshi
    • Shihonage
  • Kosa dori
    • Iriminage
    • kotegaeshi
    • Ikkyo
5th Kyu (Gokyu) / 60 days / 4 months: All previous techniques plus
  • Shomenuchi
    • Ikkyo (Suwariwaza and Standing)
    • Nikyo
    • Iriminage
  • Kata dori
    • Ikkyo
    • Nikyo
  • Mune tsuki
    • Kaitenage (Uchi and soto)
    • Kotegaeshi
    • Ude Kimenage
4th Kyu (Yonkyu) / 60 days / 4 months: All previous techniques plus
  • Ryote Dori
    • Tenchinage
    • Shihonage
    •  Kokyunage
  • Yokomenuchi
    • Ikkyo
    • Kotegaeshi
    • Iriminage
    • Shihonage
  • Shomenuchi
    • Sankyo
    • Yonkyo
3rd Kyu (Sankyu) / 70 days / 4 months: All previous techniques plus
  • Ushiro Ryokatate Dori
      • Iriminagei
      • Shihonage
      • Kotegeishi
      • Kokyunage
      • Jujinage

2nd Kyu (Nikyu) / 80 days / 6 months: All previous techniques plus

  • Yokomenuchi:
    • Nikyo, Sankyo and Yonkyo
  • Koshinage variations
    •  Shomenuchi, Katate Dori, Yokomenuchi, and Munetsuki
  • Hanmi handachi:
    • Katate Dori Shihonage
    • Ryote Dori Shihonage
  • Suwariwaza:
    • Shomenuchi: Ikkyo,Nikyo, Sankyo, Yonkyo
    • Kata dori: ikkyo
    • Yokomenuchi ikkyo
  • Morotedori:
    • Ikkyo, Nikyo, Sankyo, yonkyo
    • Kokyunage
    • Iriminage
    • Kotegaeshi

1st Kyu (Ikkyu) /  90 days / 6 months: All previous techniques plus

  • Jiyu waza:
    • Standing
    • Hanmi Handachi
    • Suwariwaza
  • Tanto dori:
    • Munetsuki different techniques incl. Hiji Kime Osae
    • Shomenuchi different techniques incl.-Gokyo
    • Yokomenuchi
  • Katamenuchi
    • Ikkyu, Kokyunage, Iriminage

 

  • Requirements for Yudansha Promotion

Aikido has a basic structure, kihon waza, which allows you to study the fundamental principles of the art. The structure of this training process is the same as a scientific formula. As a formula is an exacting international language that allows scientists to communicate and explore the depths of scientific principle, kihon waza is an international language allowing Aikidoka from all over the world to communicate and explore the basic truths of Aikido. If this basic structure is lost, Aikido is lost.

During the examination, you are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the art through this very exacting structure of kihon waza, clearly and precisely, not your personal ideas or your personal expression. Yudansha examination is not performance art.

The following points are critical:

  • The execution of formal kihon waza, an understanding of its proper application and of the fundamental principles it demonstrates – most importantly kokyu; musubi; irimi tenkan
  • Hanmi at all times; before, during, at the conclusion of and following the technique
  • Control of your own center; control of your partner’s center; control of the technique
  • Application of power appropriate to the attack
  • The proper pinning technique to demonstrate the conflict is finished
  • Timing
  • Zanshin
  • Attitude
  • Martial Awareness

 The Proper Role of Uke in Yudansha Examination

Taking ukemi for yudansha examination is a very serious responsibility. Each technique is developed to study a specific direction and application of force. As uke you must understand this and have the ability to give an honest, strong and focused attack that is appropriate for the technique required. A weak attack is unacceptable. A deceptive attack is unacceptable. Since you know the technique your partner is being asked to demonstrate it is easy to stop its execution.

There are no friends or enemies during examination. It is not uke’s job to make value judgments. You do not take uke to make your partner look bad. You do not take ukemi to make your partner look good. Do not jump into a spectacular fall if the power is not there. Do not make a point of taking a bored and resisting fall to make it look as though your partner didn’t really throw you. Either way is dishonest. Remember, you take ukemi to avoid injury. You are not taking ukemi to show off.  Uke must only do what is appropriate to the situation. This requires much training and much soul searching.

Time, Technique, and Attendance Requirements for Dan Promotion

Please note the words “consistent training” on the time requirements below. This is very important. The stated requirements are bare minimums intended to apply to students who train 4 to 5 days a week for some time before their test and make the effort to train directly under ASU senior instructors (ranked 6th Dan or above) at camps and seminars.

Promotion is not just a right acquired after a certain amount of time. It is a privilege and must be earned. Anyone not meeting these requirements must receive more training for the necessary maturity in rank so as to develop a deeper understanding, in order to be eligible for promotion.

The importance of attending seminars, intensives and camps are manifold. They

  • Improve technical skills through practice with different senior students, either as training partners or under their direction as senior instructors;
  • Encourage people to work with different people outside of their own dojo;
  • Introduce newer students into the greater Aikido world;
  • Give students a chance to train with an uchideshi of O-Sensei by having the opportunity to train under Saotome Sensei;
  • Develop relationships between junior and senior students, as well as with instructors;
  • Build relationships within the larger Aikido world: locally, nationally and internationally; and
  • Enable candidates to get to know the people who might be uke on their tests.

For seminars/Intensives and camps that fulfill the requirements below, please see the ASU Policies page. Click here for test application forms and additional resources.

Shodan (120 training days and 12 months after receiving Ikkyu)

The candidate must have attended at least two full seminars/intensives or one ASU camp as above since attaining ikkyu grade and within two years of the shodan test. It is the responsibility of the instructor planning to recommend a student for testing to inform the directors of qualifying seminars/camps of the candidacy, so that the student may be observed more closely.

All basic techniques and previous requirements plus:

  • Kumi tachi: First five basic kata
  • Tanto dori: A different technique from each – shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, tsuki, two different techniques from ushiro
  • Tachi dori: A total of five different techniques. Attacks will be shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, tsuki
  • Randori: Three people attacking

Nidan (Minimum 30 months and approximately 400 training days of consistent training after receiving Shodan)

Since attaining shodan rank and within two years of the scheduled examination date, the candidate must have at least attended three seminars/intensives or one ASU camp as above. It is the responsibility of the instructor planning to recommend a student for testing to inform the directors of qualifying seminars/camps of the candidacy, so that the student may be observed more closely.

All basic techniques and previous requirements plus:

  • Kumi tachi: First twelve basic kata
  • Kumi jo: First six basic kata
  • Randori: Three people attacking with shinai

Sandan (Minimum 3 1/2 years of consistent training after receiving Nidan)

Since attaining nidan rank and within two years of the scheduled examination date, the candidate must have at least attended three seminars/intensives or one ASU camp as above.

All basic techniques performed to demonstrate more understanding of the relationship of basic principle to the technique with maturity and clarity.

Ranking for Yondan and Above:

This is determined by recommendation of the Kagami Baraki Committee to the Board of ASU which, upon approval, will forward the recommendation to Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Japan. Candidates for these higher ranks will be expected to have had consistent attendance at many more seminars/camps than the minimum required above.

“True Budo is a work of love. It is a work of giving life to all beings, and not killing or struggling with each other.”

 Aikido is not a religion, but the education and refinement of the spirit. You will not be asked to adhere to any religious doctrine, but only to remain spiritually open. When we bow it is not a religious performance, but a sign of respect for the same spirit of universal creative intelligence within us all.

  • The opening and closing ceremony of each Aikido practice is a formal bow directed to the shomen, two claps, another bow to the shomen and a bow between the instructor and students. The bows directed to the shomen symbolize respect for the spirit and principles of Aikido, and gratitude to the founder for developing this system of study. The two claps symbolize unity, “” You send out a vibration with the first clap and receive its echo with the second. The vibration you send and the echo you receive are dictated by your own spiritual beliefs and attitudes.
  • The words spoken at the beginning of practice between the students and instructor are, “Onegai shimasu.” Loosely translated it is a request which when spoken by the student means, “Please give me your instruction.” When spoken by the teacher it means, “Please do what is expected of you.” Or “Please receive my instruction.” The words spoken by the student to the instructor at the end of practice are, “Domo arigato gozaimashita.” “You have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done.” This is the most respectful way of saying thank you.
  • Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo make a standing bow.
  • Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen.
  • Respect your training tools. Dogi should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use.
  • Never use someone else’s practice dogi or weapons.
  • A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the day’s problems and prepare for study.
  • It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony. If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a simple seated bow as you get on the mat.
  • The only proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza (formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched, never reclining, and never leaning against walls or posts.
  • Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness, or to re-hydrate.
  • During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration bow to the instructor, then to a partner and immediately begin to practice.
  • When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner and quickly line up with the other students.
  • Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing or, if necessary, seated in seiza awaiting your turn.
  • If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor, you should go to him or her and bow respectfully (standing bow). Never call the instructor over to you.
  • When receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow formally when the instructor has finished. When another near by is being instructed you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow as before.
  • Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique.
  • Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others.
  • If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it. Do not attempt to verbally correct or instruct your training partner unless you are authorized to do so.
  • Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum. Aikido is experience.
  • Fingernails and toenails must be short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat.
  • No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice.
  • No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings.
  • Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing practice dogi.

You are welcome to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette must be followed.

  • Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
  • Do not talk to anyone while they are on the mat and class is in progress.
  • Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or during the opening and closing ceremony.

Although there seem to be many forms of etiquette to remember, they will come naturally as you continue to train. Please do not resent it if you are corrected on a point of etiquette for each one is important to your safety and to the learning experience

Code of Ethics
ASU-Logo-Vector (1).gif

Aikido Schools of Ueshiba

Code of Ethics

Introduction

The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) is a membership organization whose stated mission is as follows:

The mission of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba is to preserve and disseminate the teachings and principles of Aikido, as transmitted by Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei to his direct disciple Mitsugi Saotome Shihan.

 

This ASU Code of Ethics is a guide to all members, both students and instructors, on the ethical and moral practices that should be adhered to in the practice and training of Aikido in the ASU.

This Code of Ethics compliments the Rules of the Dojo and Proper Dojo Etiquette as expressed in the ASU Handbook.

Because ASU does not have any corporate or legal responsibilities over, or liability for, the operation of any dojo or the specific conduct of any member, this Code of Ethics should be considered guiding principles and best practices for ASU members.

Code of Ethics

  1. Respect
    1. Respect for Aikido:  Instructors and students should understand O Sensei’s and Saotome Shihan’s vision of Aikido as a martial art of peace and conflict resolution.  Instruction, training and practice that is contrary to this vision should be discouraged.
    2. Respect for Instructors: Reaching instructor status in ASU takes a significant amount of training, testing and time.  All students should respect the instructors in their dojo and visiting instructors for their time, talent and training.
    3. Respect for Students:  Students have chosen to practice Aikido voluntarily.  Instructors need to respect this decision and make every effort to nurture the development of students who are training in Aikido.   Teaching should be done with a positive attitude.
    4. Mutual Respect: All members, whether they are instructors or students, should train in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
    5. Respect for the dojo:  Whether you practice in a formal dojo, in another martial art space or non-martial art facility, respect your space.  The dojo should be welcoming to instructors, students and visitors, and should provide a safe environment in which to train in Aikido.
  1. Responsibility
    1. Responsibility of Instructors:  Instructors have a significant and important role in Aikido.
      1. Instructors must try to faithfully pass down the teachings of O Sensei as they have been passed down to Saotome Shihan and his senior instructors.   Instructors should make an effort to attend seminars given by Saotome Shihan and senior instructors in ASU.
      2. Instructors must lead by example.  Good technique and good etiquette will   foster the same in students.
      3. Instructors shall ensure a safe training place for students.
      4. Instructors should never take advantage of their rank and status to inappropriately interact with their students.
    2. Responsibility of Students: Every student in Aikido has a responsibility to the dojo, to their instructors and to other students.  Students should know the ASU Rules of the Dojo and Proper Dojo Etiquette as set forth in the ASU Handbook.
  1. Instruction
    1. Giving Instruction:  Instruction should only be given by instructor level yudansha when possible and may be given by lower level yudansha when necessary.  Instruction in Aikido techniques should be clear through visual observation by students and physical interaction with other students and the instructor.
    2. Receiving Instruction: Students should closely observe the instruction being given and try to the best of their ability to following the techniques being shown by the instructor.  Sempai (senior students) should preferably lead Kohai (junior students) through techniques rather than talking them through techniques.
  1. Training
    1.  ASU Rules of the Dojo:  All instructors and students should be familiar with the ASU Handbook in general, and the ASU Rules of the Dojo and Proper Dojo Etiquette.
    2. If a dojo has children’s classes, then there should be two adults present at all children’s classes.  The adults may be instructors, other adult students or parents/guardians of the children.
    3. No discrimination:  O Sensei’s vision was to spread Aikido around the world.  Accordingly, ASU prohibits any discrimination, by instructors or students, based upon race, gender, age, sexual preference, religion, socio-economic status or national origin.
    4. Sexual harassment:  Sexual harassment by any member will not be tolerated whether that member is an instructor or a student.  Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive training or work environment.
    5. Students with Disabilities:  When possible, ASU encourages instructors and dojos to accept students with disabilities if the student can safely train.  It is the sole discretion of the head instructor of a dojo whether a student with a disability can safely train in Aikido.
  1. Compliance with state and federal law.  All members of ASU must comply with state and federal law that may be related to the practice of Aikido as a martial art and the operation of a dojo.
  1. Membership in ASU:  Membership in ASU is a privilege.  The ASU Board may, in their sole discretion, terminate or suspend the membership of any instructor or student that violates this Code of Ethics or brings disrepute upon the ASU.