United States Aikido Federation Newsletter

Just Saying Hello….

It has been many months since I wrote an article to the Aikido community, and that is actually good news because I have been back to my busy schedule traveling and teaching all over the world. I am happy to be taking these few days at my own dojo because right after USAF summer camp I traveled immediately to camp in Germany, and I leave soon for a trip to Brazil, Argentina and Chile. So it’s always nice to be home, no matter how short! I would like to thank everyone who came to camp this year, both Osawa Sensei and I had wonderful week. There are many instructors connected with New York … Read More

Dan Promotions July 1, 2016 – January 1, 2017

Test applications received and dated between July 1st 2016 and January 1st, 2017 (some listings represent applications prior to Hombu approval, applications not received by posting date will not be listed in the post). Shodan Nikolas Asikis - Valley Aikido Cary Bakker - Florida Aikikai Mahmoud Belkacemi - Aikido de la Montagne Luis Caceres - Aikido de la Montagne Leela Christian-Tabak - Boston Aikikai Cindy Chu - New York Aikikai William Davis - Sadkane School for Aikido Anna Gallagher - Aikido Center of Atlanta Mikal Giancola - Aikido of New … Read More

Aikido Is Frustrating. It’s Supposed To Be.

You’re sitting there. Your legs hurt after a bunch of suwari-waza. The instructor demonstrates a technique, and you can tell there’s some subtlety to it. He shows it 3 times, pronounces its name, and says “Ok, partners”… and there you are, left mainly to your own devices. You feel like you follow along well enough as uke, but then as nage, you don’t get it. You maybe don’t even GET what you don’t get. You receive some correction, but it doesn’t make the technique fully clear or resolve all of your questions… And what do we do with questions? We ASK them… Except, not in aikido. NOT during … Read More

USAF Latest News

Dan Promotions January 2, 2017 – May 31, 2017

Test applications received and dated between January 2nd 2017 and May 31st, 2016 (some listings represent applications prior to Hombu approval, applications not received by posting date will not be listed in the post). Shodan Ralph Akin - Two Rivers … [Read More...]

2017 Summer Camp Is Open For Registration

Once again, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, located at 401 South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey USA, will be the venue for the 2017 USAF Summer Camp beginning Sunday, July 30th and ending Saturday, August 5th. To accommodate Aikido camp participants and their … [Read More...]

From our Birankai Friends to Students and Friends of Chiba Sensei

Dear Students and Friends of Chiba Sensei, Mrs. Chiba has agreed to sell the last of Sensei’s life long collection of weapons and accessories. Below is a link to a website containing the collection. The site itself is broken into three areas: Tsuba … [Read More...]