Updated February, 2024
The Purpose of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba
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) not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan as an international Aikido organization.
The ASU is under the general management of its Board of Directors which meets regularly to conduct business and to hold Town Hall meetings with the membership. 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 fulfillment 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.