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News from Shin Kaze August 2023
Shin Kaze Aikido Alliance is an organization dedicated to the practice and development of
Aikido. It aims to provide technical and administrative guidance to Aikido practitioners and
to maintain standards of practice and instruction within an egalitarian and tolerant structure.
Welcome to the August 2023 edition of the Shin Kaze newsletter. As in previous issues we are fortunate to once again have received several and varied contributions from our members.
Article topics range from spirituality, celebration of a dojo's 30th anniversary, philosophical considerations of practice, poetry, a new series of comics, the Book Corner, a commemoration of the passing of K. Kurata Shihan from Argentina, and a summary of work undertaken this year and planned for the future.
We hope you will enjoy this issue and will feel motivated to contribute an article or two of your own to upcoming newsletters.
Art. 2
Building spirituality on the mat
By Michael Aloia
Dojo-cho Asahikan Dojo, Collegeville, PA
Over the years, I have heard many an instructor say to leave your worldly thoughts and concerns at the door of the dojo before entering. I even worked with a fellow instructor who placed a trashcan at the entrance of the training area to tangibly remind practitioners to dump their "baggage" or "personal trash" before going in; freeing themselves of any distractions.
Having this type of reminder helps provide us the awareness and an opportunity to let go of many of the things we hold on to every day, especially before we begin to train. Most likely, those things will still be there when we are done, waiting for our return. But we may find that when we do return to claim our "baggage" what has changed is not the problems or the personal luggage, but rather we find it is us instead who has changed in the process.
Spirituality in its simplest form is having the belief in something bigger than ourselves. It's a level of faith that puts our trust in the greater good and the needs of the universe above our own. However, this is not to say that having such a belief permits us to neglect ourselves. Rather, it allows us the opportunity while building a better world to focus our efforts to build a better self as well; a better individual makes for a better community. Instead of waiting for the world to change, it is we who initiate a shift within us to then change the world.
The change occurring in us is a level of spirituality that quietly sets in and begins to transform our perceptions, perspectives, and abilities to handle what life tends to throw at us. Like with randori practice; we deal with an oncoming uke, avoid colliding head on, and redirect uke's energies. Uke takes their ukemi and proceeds to get back up, move about, and come at us once again. This practice is an analogy for life and how problems and challenges arise on our journey. We learn each time how to better cope with and divert these challenges, some more difficult than others. But as one challenge is surmounted, another will surely arise again down the line.
The spiritual metamorphosis that training offers is subtle for most. It's a gradual change that builds with discipline, and by the time we realize something is happening, that change has already become part of who we are. The aspects involved in training challenge us first on the physical plane; we grow stronger and become more flexible. From there, we find ourselves being challenged on the mental plane; we start to process things differently. So, in essence, we think differently. Spirituality is the final piece that, when put in place, aids us in rising above the constructs of merely going through motions of rote exercises. Spirituality gives us reason and purpose for doing what we do. It's more than the how or why. It just is.
Change can be embraced, or it can be resisted, that choice is solely our own. Over time, as we hope to improve ourselves, we will all be confronted with the choice in our training to change what we are doing or stay where we are. Again, we can embrace it and move on or resist it and stay still. However, as time marches on, and whatever our choice, change cannot be ignored. The greater good depends on change. American author John Maxwell said that, "change is inevitable, growth is optional."
Art. 3
30th Anniversary of the Dojo of the Central University of Venezuela - Maracay Campus
By Rafael Pacheco
Dojo-cho Aikido Kokyu Ho Dojo Venezuela and UBA Dojo, Venezuela
As co-founder of the Aikido Dojo UCV - Maracay Campus and active practitioner of Aikido, for about 35 years, I have been very close to the events that occurred in these three decades of operation of said space.
For the twenty-seventh anniversary I wrote the following:
"Luis Troya, Vicente Iglesias and Rafael Pacheco did not imagine the impact and the years of operation that the Aikido Dojo of the Central University of Venezuela (Maracay Campus) would have, when on March 10, 1993 the corresponding permit was obtained to start activities . After 27 years, the Aikido activities in this Dojo have somehow touched the lives of many people and have served a few, as the way to integrate discipline and dedication in an activity that is an important part of their lives. Fortunately most of them, respecting ethical and moral values and valuing the teachings received.
Throughout its history the Dojo U.C.V. has adapted to the needs of each stage, always seeking to provide Aikido practitioners with the best learning experiences, to face the challenges that each circumstance has raised. This will continue to be the case, from us.
One of the constants of the world is that "The world is always in constant change" which provides us with pleasant situations and others that are not. Faced with this, we can only strengthen our ability to adapt, bearing in mind that it will be our works and actions that will survive us over time, those that will speak for us. We must approach each challenge as a new experience, new learning that, under the correct approach, will lead us to be better individually and collectively.
What was written at that time is still valid, and expresses the feeling obtained on the road traveled. Throughout the years, countless students have been welcomed, seminars have been organized with esteemed and distinguished Aikido masters, we have seen our students grow and succeed, both on and off the Tatami, for this reason, celebrations of this scope are an opportunity for us to reflect on the practice of a martial art such as Aikido, the hard work that must be done with discipline, consistency and the dedication that must be invested to make a space last over time.
However, it is not about the anniversary itself, it is about the people who have made it possible, “students and instructors”, past and present, who have played a crucial role in the formation of those people who have chosen the UCV Dojo as a place of personal transformation and have kept Aikido alive and enjoying good health in this space. For this reason, all that remains for me is to say: Let's toast to thirty years of Aikido, doing more and better Aikido!!!! And let those who heard the call to express their views and experiences on the 30th Anniversary of the Dojo UCV manifest themselves. Their words and contributions are shared here.
Art. 4
Katsu Jinken - Tatsu Jinken
By Manuel Cormenzana Casuriaga
Dojo-cho Manuel Cormenzana Dojo, Margarita Island, Venezuela
I remember, about 17 years ago, when in Venezuela we began the practice of Iai Jutsu (Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu - MJER) thanks to the good offices of master Shoko Sato and sensei Luis Marín, master Sekiguchi Takaaki (Komei) (our teacher, 21st Soke of the MJER) visiting our country, told us during a training break that Iai was "the sword that gives life" but that in keiko we cannot forget "the sword that gives death". That one does not exist without the other, because it is not really about two different swords but one.
My teacher Shoko Sato (Karate do, Shito Ryu), on a certain occasion explained to us the meaning of the Shito Kai symbol: "neither too rigid nor too flexible, we must travel the middle path, the path of balance". And that is basically Budo, equilibrium and balance. The principle of Katsu Jinken and Tatsu Jinken, so important in Japanese culture, reveals that everything has its bright side and its dark side, that there is no light without darkness, that there is no life without death, ying without yang. .
So, like everything in life, as a universal creation, Aikido as Budo itself, as a martial art, I consider also has its bright side and its dark side.
Modern societies, some more civilized than others, have made the need to defend one's life to cease having a sense of priority (jutsu) for the practitioner, which is why most martial arts have become sports so as not to disappear. But Aikido is not a sport, it is not competitive. So what can be expected from Japan's most elevated and evolved martial art created by the genius of Ueshiba Morihei?
There are currently multiple visions and interpretations of the Art as each of the Founder's disciples and, in turn, their disciples have come to appreciate. But I believe, as master Shoko Sato repeated over and over again, that we constantly have to connect with the roots. "We have to return to Okinawa and walk the path again so that we don't lose the connection with our origin, so that when we lose our way we have the link to pick it up again." I believe, making a parallel with this vision of master Sato on modern Karate, that in Aikido we must permanently delve into its roots to keep alive the legacy and essence of the art created by O-Sensei. I believe (and always from my humble position) that the study and practice of Aikido challenges us to delve into and study human nature in a wide spectrum, both individually and socially and not only see its bright and peaceful side but also its dark and violent side in order to apply, cultivate and feel the concepts and principles of Aikido. I believe that searching and investigating the true meaning, the true reason behind the movements and techniques that O-Sensei bequeathed to us is a fascinating task. Thinking about the concepts of harmony, unification or mushin in the face of any aggression, even if it comes from someone willing to hurt us and without any intention of "harmonizing" with us, is quite a challenge; and as I said before, a fascinating one that imposes on us the obligation to work not only on the bright side of Aikido but also on its dark side.
I once read an interview with master Saotome M. which ended with a question that was left hanging: "Do you feel that with your knowledge of Aikido you can defend your life?"
Art. 5
Where else can you learn to fly
By Raymond Caldwell
Dojo-cho Niagara Falls Aikikai, Niagara Falls, Canada
Where else can you learn to fly,
But on the tatami?
Where else are you Samurai,
And wield your invisible Ki?
Scream from deep within your soul
Let go of all your troubles, then
Harness the Ki of the Universe
Become one with Jo and Bokken
Control all emotions
With a power from above
Face off with those emotions
Replacing fear with love
Where else can you empty your mind
And then in quick succession
find peace love and harmony
And learn to control aggression?
O-Sensei said:
“Those who are possessed by nothing
possess everything.”
And
“When you lose your desire for things that do not matter,
you will be free.”
I yearn to be free
Comics
Comics - Aikido Animals: Sensei
By Jutta Bossert
Have you ever noticed that there are sometimes stereotypes of people you meet at every Aikido seminar?
Now imagine what kinds of animals they would be …
Sensei – An ancient and powerful creature.
You really don’t want to get on their bad side.
Best case scenario: They watch you, then move on
without showing any reaction at all.
By Mitsunari Kanai Shihan, 8th Dan
Chief Instructor of New England Aikikai (1966-2004)
Editor's note: In this "Book Corner" we provide installments of books relevant to our practice.
As continuation from the previous issue, here is Part 1 of Chapter 2 of Mitsunari Kanai Shihan's book "Technical Aikido".
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITION OF AIKIDO AS A COMBAT TECHNIQUE (BUGI) - (Part 1)
It is important to know that Aikido includes a philosophy and ideas that go beyond Budo. Budo is a subset of Aikido, but Aikido is not a subset of Budo. Therefore, developing Aikido technique as a complete form includes, in addition to the principles of combat that will be discussed here, other elements such as Ki (and its constituent elements), Kokyuryoku (breath power), and spiritual functions. These aspects will be addressed in a future work. For the moment, it is more critical to clarify the issue of the physical elements of Aikido techniques, for these provide a necessary foundation upon which to build an understanding of more abstract elements.
Bugi means combat techniques to deal with an opponent who initiates a confrontation. More than that, Bugi's techniques aim to dominate the opponent physically in order to achieve control over him. Bugi has methodology, rules and principles. Bujutsu is a system to organize and continually improve all aspects and elements of Bugi.
The Bugi of Aikido is characterized by the application to combat techniques of two fundamental principles: the Principle of the Unified Body, and Sotai Kankei (the confrontational relationship between oneself and the opponent). Application of these physical principles allows one to more effectively utilize any technique.
Bujutsu no Housoku -- the principle of Bujutsu requires that all techniques and movements, and all elements of Bujutsu and Bugi be applied with total precision and accuracy. Their effectiveness is determined by whether they are applied at the right time, in the right way and with the right amount of energy.
For example, Bugi includes the elements of speed and power. Power is the emergence of energy which is used to achieve a goal. Speed can create power and power can substitute for the lack of speed. Speed can create real destructive power, for example, when a hurricane wind blows a straw to such a velocity that it penetrates a wall. Conversely, even if moving slowly, a power of sufficient force can push through the same wall. Effectiveness depends on whether they are applied correctly in light of particular conditions.
Thus, Bujutsu no Housoku can be expressed as determined activity to deal with a confrontational relationship in order to place oneself in a more advantageous situation given certain conditions. Bujutsu no Housoku is an inevitable consequence of achieving and maintaining control over an opponent using minimally required amounts of:
movement,
ma-ai, and
power.
This Bujutsu no Housoku is the basis for Aikido techniques, and, similarly, by keeping this in mind, very precise definitions and descriptions of Aikido techniques can be generated.
End of Part 1.
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITION OF AIKIDO AS A COMBAT TECHNIQUE (BUGI) - (Part 2)
There are three key requirements for accurate Aikido techniques:
maintaining one's correct and proper posture,
entering into Shikaku and
consciously using the body to avoid direct confrontations with the opponent's movement.
The first requirement for an accurate technique is proper posture. Proper posture allows one to generate all the power that one possesses, execute movements accurately and rapidly, and also maximize one's attacking or defensive power.
The second requirements is to enter into Shikaku, that is, the opponent's "opening", "blind spot", or "dead angle". Although the opponent's dead angle is the opponent's weak point which can be attacked, it is simultaneously much more than this, i.e., it is a place where one can maintain one's own safety.
The third requirement is to use the body in a way that avoids collision, that is, a direct opposition of power against power, or movement against movement. To be most efficient in dealing with a confrontational relationship, one must use the opponent's power or movement and the minimally required amount of one's own movement and power to make the situation develop in the way one desires, that is, to one's own advantage.
Direct opposition of power or movement necessarily increases the required effort, and therefore wastes energy. In addition, when two sources of power or movement come into direct opposition, the one with stronger force will win, an outcome contrary to the objectives of Aikido's combat techniques. The ability to control movement so as to avoid clashes with the opponent requires repetitive and continual practice over an extended period of time until this approach becomes a strongly embedded habit.
If Aikido practitioners would devote themselves single-heartedly to focusing on these elements, Bujutsu no Housoku would automatically and naturally spring up and grow.
Another note to the preceding discussion is that Bujutsu, in addition to being based on fundamental and unalterable principles, has another aspect which is simultaneously free, unrestricted, and able to adapt to any circumstances. Within this, there is room for Kichi (quick wits) that do not necessarily fit into any pre-determined principles.
Those who train sufficiently so as to develop and master Bujutsu no Housoku will also generate Ki and its elements, which include KAN (intuition), and Kichi. This allows one to deploy mental and spiritual elements which are described, for example, as "leading Ki", the "feeling" or "knack" of Budo, and the ability to "see" the opponent's movement (even in a case when the opponent is behind one's back).
Kichi, however, has a higher and lower expression. Its higher form can only develop as a result of a high level of training aimed at creating consummate skills based on fundamental theories or principles. Those who have really mastered Bujutsu no Housoku can deploy such a high form of Kichi.
There is another and different example of a technique similar to Kichi which could be possibly (although roughly) included as Bugi. This is Sutemi (the sacrifice technique) in which one attempts to extricate oneself from danger by making a surprise move to startle the opponent.
Although this technique follows some of the principles of Budo, it ignores some other critical elements, such as posture and balance. Sutemi technique can be classified as one of the combat techniques, but because it does not include all aspects and elements of Bujutsu, it should not be included as a complete technique. This is precisely why Sutemi is not included in Aikido.
The reason why Aikido so fully expresses Bubi (the aesthetics of the martial arts) including many aspects such as precise techniques, sense of stability and elegance, is that it incorporates all the essential elements of Bujutsu no Housoku.
Based on the explanations and viewpoints described above, now I would like to enter into the subject of technical theories.
Art. 8
In memory of Katsutoshi Kurata Sensei
By Adolfo Calatayu
Dojo-cho Shinka Dojo, Alianza Aikido Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
"Loss is nothing but change, and change is nature's delight." - Marcus Aurelius
Kurata Sensei has passed away... I think of him, of his profound and definitive influence on me as a person and Aikidoist, of how much I have to thank him for. Let's first see a glimpse of his life.
Katsutoshi Kurata Sensei was born on August 4, 1938, in the Japanese city of Tokyo. He began his Aikido practice in 1958 at Seiki Dojo under the instruction of O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Hombu Dojo instructors Koichi Tohei Sensei, Hiroshi Tada Sensei, Sadateru Arikawa Sensei, Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei, and others.
He arrived in Argentina in March 1967, without knowing or speaking the Spanish language,
being Sandan at that time. He began teaching in a dojo called Kumazawa (later demolished) with Kenzo Miyazawa Sensei
(who arrived in 1965). These 2 instructors, together with Minoru Saito Sensei (who arrived in 1961), were the first
to spread Aikido in Argentina.
He was awarded Yondan in 1969.
In 1978 he received a visit from Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei and Ichiro Shibata Sensei.
That year he received Masafumi Sakanashi Shihan.
In 1979, Aikikai Hombu Dojo awarded him Godan.
In 1989, he was awarded Rokudan on January 8, at the Kagami-biraki celebration at Hombu Dojo.
In 1989, he organized the first National Aikido Meeting, commemorating the date of O-Sensei's passing. This meeting is
repeated annually to this day.
In 1990 he received a visit from Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba who taught an Aikido seminar.
In 1993 he received a visit from Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei who taught an Aikido seminar.
In 1997 he received a visit from Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba to commemorate the 30 years he had been teaching in the country.
On August 8, 1998, the Kurata Dojo Aikido School was inaugurated (in Palermo, Fray Justo Santa María de Oro 2254), and
became the headquarters of the Argentine Aikikai Federation, which depends directly on the Aikikai Foundation,
headquarters of Aikido (Hombu Dojo, Japan). In September of that year, he organized a visit from Shigeru Sugawara Shihan,
who taught an Aikido seminar.
In 2002, Aikikai Hombu Dojo awarded him Sichidan, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of his teaching of Aikido
in the country.
In June 2006, he received a visit from Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, who taught an Aikido seminar.
In October 2007, he received a visit from Masatoshi Yasuno Shihan (7th Dan), who taught an Aikido seminar.
In June 2012, he received a visit from Tsuruzo Miyamoto Shihan (7th Dan), who taught an Aikido seminar.
In June 2016, he received a visit from Seishiro Endo Shihan (8th Dan), who taught an Aikido seminar.
In October 2017, he received a visit from Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of
his teaching Aikido in the country.
In 2017, he received the Chancellor of Japan award (awarded to those who collaborate with the expansion of
Japanese culture throughout the world), from Mr. Noriteru Fukushima, the Japanese ambassador in Buenos Aires.
He was awarded the rank of Hachidan, 8th Dan Shihan in January 2019 and although not so regularly in his last years,
he continued to teach classes in his dojo and at seminars occasionally.
He passed away in Buenos Aires on July 2, 2023 at the age of 85.
I wonder if he was able to realize the vision of his youth, if he became one with his Ideal. I have the impression that
surely yes. I remarkably remember his classes, his joy, patience and serenity when transmitting a technique. The most
important thing for me was when he spoke and expanded on some principle, or when he joked about something. Like any of
his students, I was always amazed by his Spanish, he lived in Argentina for 56 years, however, despite this, he still
had a hard time speaking it. I was also fascinated by some of his colorful explanations about Ikkyo for example.
Speaking of Ikkyo, in each of his classes the first technique was precisely Ikkyo, omote and ura. He was the Master
who insisted the most on every occasion on the importance of taking care of uke, it was his hallmark and it was engraved
in me.
I suspect that in the face of the elderly there are wrinkles caused by kindness or sympathy, others by energetic and
pure thought, and others formed by passions. We can all distinguish them. For those who have lived with righteousness
or a certain beauty, old age is serene, calm and concludes with the serenity of the sun when it sets.
Kurata Sensei was a good, noble man, of course he was not perfect, who is? However his luminous side was singular,
remarkable. I want to believe that he died as sweetly and serenely as he lived. Thank you very much, dear Master, for
all your teachings, those I learned and those that, I trust, one day I will understand. So long Sensei.
Art. 9
Internal Aikido
By Raymond Caldwell
Dojo-cho Niagara Falls Aikikai, Niagara Falls, Canada
As most of us are well aware, Aikido is a martial art that emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution
and self-defense by way of redirecting an opponent's energy instead of meeting force with force, head on.
After training in Aikido for 30 years, I have become increasingly interested in Internal Aikido.
This consists of focusing on the internal aspects of Aikido, such as the cultivation of Ki (life force energy),
proper breathing, and body alignment. Whilst, in the course of my training my instructors have emphasized the
importance of utilizing Ki in carrying out techniques, the bulk of the emphasis has been on the practical
execution of these techniques. That is not to say that my instructors neglected the internal side of Aikido.
Perhaps I was too focused on the technical execution that the mystical form from within clearly went right over
my head. I now feel that I am ready to explore this topic further, so hopefully I can gain some insight into
this elusive area.
As I understand it, the fundamentals of internal Aikido include:
Mind-body coordination: We should strive to emphasize the connection between the mind and body.
To accomplish this we can focus on aligning our body properly and coordinating our movements with
our breathing and mental state.
Centering and grounding: The importance of being centered and grounded to maintain balance and stability
in both physical and mental aspects cannot be over emphasized. We can aim to connect our center of gravity
to the ground, using our legs and feet to maintain a stable stance. Also, centering and grounding impacts
the mental side of the practice – ie. provides balance, focus and helps enforce the mind-body connection.
Ki development: As Aikido practitioners we should believe in the existence of ki, or life force energy,
and aim to develop our ki through practice. We can use techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises
to enhance our ki and to be able to use it effectively in our movements. There are also some effective
exercises executed with a partner specifically designed to develop ki.
Blending and redirection: We should be very aware of the concept of blending with an opponent's energy and
redirecting it rather than opposing it directly. This requires a strong sense of timing and distance, as well as
the ability to read an opponent's movements. It also requires internal awareness of your own energy and your
opponent’s energy combining this with centering and grounding as well.
Relaxation: It is important to be relaxed in both body and mind. We should aim to use only the necessary amount
of force and tension to execute techniques, while maintaining a relaxed and calm demeanour.
One of the most common problems that I encounter when teaching my students is in getting them to relax as both Nage and Uke.
On the street, when someone grabs you by the hand, your immediate reaction is to tense up. When you do this,
you obviously cannot counter an attack, as your entire body becomes rigid and the aggressor controls all of you.
If you can overcome this reaction and become flexible and soft everywhere then you can maneuver around the attack
to counter it. Easier said than done, of course.
Being relaxed whilst falling should really improve Uke’s break falls and rolls, keeping in mind that he still needs
to maintain his form undisturbed to prevent collapsing while rolling, etc.
While executing techniques, especially those requiring taking uke’s balance (kuzushi) it is extremely beneficial
for Nage to utilize his ki from his center and connect to and project it directly to uke’s center, thereby
displacing uke’s center and replacing it with his own. This supplies an abundance of power with minimum movement.
We can develop this center to center displacement particularly during Kokyu-dosa practice, where, if Uke’s arms
and wrists are suitably locked and rigid, then it is relatively easy to displace him with minimal movement of hips
and upper body.
All of the above fundamental aspects overlap, of course, and can be utilized individually or in combination. Overall,
internal Aikido emphasizes the importance of developing a strong mind-body connection, centering and grounding,
cultivating ki energy and using techniques that emphasize harmony and non-violence.
Art. 10
2023 Accomplishments and Work in Progress
By Joel Posluns Shihan, Information Management Committee,
and Robert Zimmermann Shihan, Board of Directors
This has been a very busy year in many ways for Shin Kaze. We have had remarkable membership growth, we have issued several policy documents and we are developing an administrative infrastructure and processes to provide timely and efficient services to our members. Here is a list of some of the things that have kept us busy.
Accomplishments
New dojos and status changes Since the beginning of the year twenty two new dojos have joined Shin Kaze, twelve dojos have changed their status from Provisional to Full Member, five dojos currently have Provisional Member status, one new dojo has joined as an Associate Member and several other dojos have inquired about joining. This growth is remarkable!
Teacher Designation and Promotion Guidelines Document Hombu requires that Recognized Aikido organizations implement a qualification and designation system for their instructors as Shihan, Shidoin, and Fukushidoin. To fulfill this requirement and to establish uniformity throughout Shin Kaze with respect to teacher recognition and the process of promotions, the Technical Committee, in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee, the Board Advisory Committee and the Equity and Inclusion Committee prepared a document called "Teacher Designation and Promotion Guidelines". This document has been distributed to dojo-cho and is also available online in the dojo-cho section of the Shin Kaze web site.
List of Shin Kaze Recognized Instructors Directly related to the above Guidelines, a list of currently recognized Shin Kaze instructors holding Shihan, Shidoin and Fukushidoin designations has been published in the Admin section of the Shin Kaze web site. At present there are six Shihan, eleven Shidoin and seven Fukushidoin listed.
Ethics Guidelines Document As a world-wide organization dedicated to the practice, preservation and promotion of Aikido, Shin Kaze recognizes that its members engage in a broad range of activities. To reflect the values and ideals that Shin Kaze espouses, it has developed an Ethics Guidelines document in an effort to set a framework of standards of conduct for these activities, to promote its values, and to help maintain the integrity of the organization. These Guidelines clarify the responsibilities of members to each other and to the public and provide an approach by which Shin Kaze members can govern and discipline themselves.
2023 Budget In its continuing commitment to financial transparency, the Board distributed this year’s Budget to dojo-chos. As a result of careful planning, strict budgetary controls and responsible operation as a true not-for-profit organization, Shin Kaze is expected to break even in 2023, while keeping all fees unchanged from last year, repaying outstanding loans used to start up the organization and keeping fee discounts for countries facing economic challenges. This is no small feat given the difficulties many dojos and organizations face rebuilding their membership post COVID in a challenging economic environment world-wide.
Yukyusha Books We have designed and printed bilingual Yukyusha Books for Shin Kaze. These are used by kyu rank members to keep track of the seminars they attend, their ranks, promotion dates and monthly attendance.
In progress ...
Shin Kaze Corporate Branding The Information Management Committee is preparing a document detailing the elements of Shin Kaze's corporate brand identity to ensure the Shin Kaze brand is readily recognized and properly represented across every channel and in all marketing materials. When complete, the document will detail Shin Kaze's visual brand identity and will provide rules and guidelines for official logo usage, font type, color, typography, and related aspects. This document will facilitate adding official and consistent SK corporate branding to websites, seminar flyers, uniform patches, online merchandise, etc.
Process Automation Over the last year, a great deal of development work has been undertaken to create a number of online processes to automate and streamline administrative tasks to facilitate and support some of the work undertaken by dojo-cho. These include:
Inputting, searching and updating member records
Managing and tracking membership information
Registering kyu and dan promotions
Requesting kyu and dan certificates
Requesting and renewing teacher designations
Supporting online payments
These processes are expected to be complete and in use by dojo-cho in the fourth quarter.
Future Projects
There are a number of projects we are planning to undertake in the near future. Among them:
Country-based Shin Kaze sub-organizations
The Ethics Guidelines are a stepping stone for the creation and development of
country-based Shin Kaze sub-organizations, e.g. Shin Kaze - Country, whose main purpose will be to
address country-specific needs, such as meeting government or sport organization
regulations and requirements, orienting new local dojos joining Shin Kaze,
organizing local seminars, among many others.
Shin Kaze Organized Events
The Technical Committee is exploring how to organize Shin Kaze sponsored events to support
dojos that cannot afford the financial cost and risk of organizing an event with senior instructors on their own.
We Need Your Assistance This has been an exciting year of growth for Shin Kaze, not just in terms of the increase in the number of new dojos and members but also in terms of the publications and policies we have issued and in the development of systems and processes to help guide and manage our continuing growth in a positive and forward focused way.
There is still a lot to be done and many new projects to undertake. To attain our vision we need our members' help, so please offer your expertise and services and ask your colleagues and dojo members for theirs. We invite and encourage you to become a driving force of the fastest growing and most progressive Aikido organization world-wide: Shin Kaze Aikido Alliance. Please contact us to get actively involved.
Art. 11
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By/Por Author Name
Dojo-cho Dojo Name, Country/Pais
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?
Art. 12
Lorem ipsum
By/Por Author Name
Dojo-cho Dojo Name, Country/Pais
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?
Art. 13
Lorem ipsum
By/Por Author Name
Dojo-cho Dojo Name, Country/Pais
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?
Art. 14
Lorem ipsum
By/Por Author Name
Dojo-cho Dojo Name, Country/Pais
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?
Art. 15
Lorem ipsum
By/Por Author Name
Dojo-cho Dojo Name, Country/Pais
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?
Dear Dojo-cho and Supporters:
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