Aikikai

Aikikai is the original and largest organization dedicated to aikido, the modern Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba. The name commonly refers to the Aikikai Foundation, also known as Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the central body that preserves Ueshiba’s teachings, curriculum, and lineage. The organization is led by the Doshu, the hereditary head of the art; since 1999 Moriteru Ueshiba has served as Doshu, following Kisshomaru Ueshiba, and Morihei Ueshiba, the founder. Its headquarters and main training hall, the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, function as the world center for instruction, certification, and research.

The Aikikai maintains a global network of dojos affiliated with the foundation and administers a rank system (kyu and dan) and instructor qualifications, including senior teachers who hold Shihan titles. While the precise implementation of ranks can vary locally, the Aikikai curriculum emphasizes the core principles and techniques attributed to Ueshiba, including blending with an opponent’s energy, redirection of force, and balance. Training typically includes kihon (basic techniques), nage-waza (throwing techniques), pinning techniques, and, in many dojos, introductory weapons practice with bokken and jo.

Aikido practiced within the Aikikai framework emphasizes harmony, self-improvement, and non-competitive training aims. The organization has played a central role in disseminating aikido worldwide and provides standard guidelines for etiquette and technique to maintain a consistent presentation of the art across affiliated dojos.