Aikido Association of America / International
Passed hand to hand since its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Our directory lists 63 member dojos in 12 countries. Find yours.
Aikido (合氣道) literally translates to the ‘the way of harmonizing with energy’. A Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (commonly called O-Sensei) in the early twentieth century, aikido is recognized for its unique spirit, so different from many martial arts which make sportive or combative aims their sole rationale. Masakatsu Agatsu (正勝吾勝), ‘true victory, is victory over the self’, was a favorite saying of the Founder to demonstrate aikido as a means to transcend dualistic conflict.
A dojo (道場) is any place or training facilities where ‘the way’ can be practiced. Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International dojo offers traditional aikido programs with instruction provided by shidoin (instructors) or fukushidoin (assistant instructors) using the methodology of founder Fumio Toyoda Shihan. Use our Dojo Locator to find a dojo, club, or class near you.
Member dojo · Headquarters, Tenshinkan Dojo, Chicago · Locations: GeoNames
63 dojos, 12 countries
History of Aikido“He was born into Life on November 8, 1947. He was born into Eternity on July 4, 2001.
It has been said that he arrived in the United States a little over 25 years ago with a gi, a hakama, $25 dollars, and a pack of cigarettes. From those humble beginnings he created the second largest aikido organization in the world with over 150 dojo worldwide and thousands of students. Reflecting upon his achievements I am reminded of a famous quote. ‘Some men see things as they are and say why. Others dream things that never were and say why not.’ — George Bernard Shaw — He never let the impossible deter him.”
From the founder to your dojo
Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, the Aikido Kaiso (founder), was born in 1883 in Tanabe, a coastal town in southern Japan.
Upon the death of O-Sensei in 1969, Kisshomaru Ueshiba was named the second Doshu of Aikido. Toyoda Shihan therefore became the first uchideshi directly under the new Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba.
Fumio Toyoda Shihan. In 1974, at Tohei Sensei’s direction, he settled in Chicago to begin spreading Aikido in the United States.
In 1994 a historic development occurred: Toyoda Shihan re-established ties with the Aikikai, with the help of Kisaburo Osawa Sensei, a former mentor, and with the approval of then Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba.
63 member dojos listed in 12 countries.
Find a dojo
The Aikido Association of America and Aikido Association International is committed to continuing Toyoda Shihan’s legacy in propagating high quality aikido through strong fundamentals, clear teaching methodology, and dynamic demonstration of technique. View our seminar schedule for our various events, seminars, camps, and instructors certification workshops.
Attend a seminar near youNext on the mat
13 upcoming
T. Toyoda Sensei, G. Matsuda Sensei, & G. Testa Sensei – Konshinkan Dojo – Burlington, New Jersey
20261107|20261108||https://staging.aaa-aikido.com/seminar/aikido-seminar-g-matsuda-sensei-g-testa-sensei-konshinkan-dojo-burlington-new-jersey/| Aikido Seminar - 10th AnniversaryJ. Whatley Sensei - Island Aikido - Charleston, SC
20261113|20261115||https://staging.aaa-aikido.com/seminar/aikido-seminar-j-whatley-sensei-island-aikido-charleston-sc/|Aikido SeminarTenshinkan Dojo - Chicago, IL
20261212|||https://staging.aaa-aikido.com/seminar/end-of-the-year-testing-tenshinkan-dojo-chicago-il/| End of the Year TestingWhether you are looking to join our organization, coordinate an aikido demonstration, enter our uchideshi program (live-in trainees), schedule a speaking engagement, or affiliate your dojo, our Headquarter Office is happy to assist you with your inquiry. The AAA and AAI provide several different types of services to individuals, dojo, and the community. We look forward to hearing from you!
Membership and servicesMember dojos teach six-week introductory courses for people who have never trained. Classes for children, youths and adults. Visit a class first.
Send the Headquarter Office an official letter with your contact information, the reason for your request and brief information about your current Aikido and dojo status. We will contact you about the next step.
How affiliation worksDemonstrations, the uchideshi program, speaking engagements and certification.
