The Dogwood Aikikai is a member of the United States Aikido Federation.  Our dojo's instructors are certified through the USAF.

About the USAF
The main aims of the USAF are to develop and guide the practice and instruction of Aikido as established by Hombu, to promote and develop good will, fellowship and lines of communication among its members, to standardize gradings, to register dan (senior level) grades with Hombu, and to establish and maintain close contact with the Shihan (master teachers) officially dispatched as representatives by Hombu.

To accomplish this, the USAF organizes, promotes and conducts Aikido demonstrations and seminars, encourages activities of member dojos, and researches, studies and publishes information and materials pertaining to Aikido.

Organization
The USAF is organized into four regions called the Eastern, Midwestern, Western and Latin American Regions, and its membership consists of the dojos affiliated to these regions and of the individuals practicing at these dojos.

The business affairs of the USAF are conducted by a Board of Governors that meets on a regular basis. Responsibility for technical issues, including the planning and implementation of activities such as lectures and courses, the development of qualifications and requirements for the appointment of advanced teaching licensees (Shidoin and Fukushidoin), the establishment of grading requirements and the supervision of all other activities necessary for the dissemination and advancement of Aikido, rests with a group of Shihan resident in the United States.

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Thanks to the United States Aikido Federation for permission to use the above text. Please visit the USAF website at http://www.usaikifed.com/