how to affiliate with an organization?

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[dapidmini]

Hi, I'm very interested with Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei's Aikido. his movements looks so clear and balanced. how do you make an affiliation to his organization?:rolleyes: if I start my own dojo, I want to be in his organization..

[tenshinaikidoka]

I have often wondered this as well (not necesarily with that Shihan but other Shihans). I am a NiDan but came from an independant dojo and thus my "rank" is not recognized I guess when it comes to orginazations etc. So I would be interested if anyone has insight onto how to affiliate with "recognized" organizations etc. Also is there an evaluation period or something for rank recognition or do you just flat start over?? I am in an area where I am it as far as Aikido and I have been asked to teach at a couple dojo's that offer Judo etc.

[kewms]

Contact the organization's main office and ask them.

Or, alternatively, contact the head of an existing dojo in that organization and ask them.

Or, even better, go to a seminar taught by a senior instructor in that organization, meet people, make connections, and *then* ask.

Katherine

[dapidmini]

afaik, in my country Yamada Sensei's organization hasn't existed yet. that's why I want to become the first dojo to affiliate with him.. is there no other way than to attend his seminars and talk directly to him? I don't think there are any of his seminars in my country...

[hughrbeyer]

I'd suggest doing the Japanese thing--find somebody who can perform an introduction. Have any of your instructors trained with him? Anybody you've trained with? Anybody you've been on the mat with? Failing that, is there anyone teaching a seminar nearby who is in his organization and who you could meet?

Then find a seminar of his you can go to. You're not going to join his organization without meeting him. Write a letter (in paper) introducing yourself, giving your history, and saying you'll be at such-and-such a seminar and you hope to meet him in person there. If your history includes things that are politically problematic (you trained with another Shihan who was out of favor with Hombu) include it but with language making it clear you wish to leave that influence to come over to him.

The letter can be enclosed by your go-between or sent by you directly if you really can't find anybody.

Be warned, depending on how Hombu is dividing up the world these days, it may not be possible to affiliate with him officially.

[David Yap]

afaik, in my country Yamada Sensei's organization hasn't existed yet. that's why I want to become the first dojo to affiliate with him.. is there no other way than to attend his seminars and talk directly to him? I don't think there are any of his seminars in my country...

You can affiliate through Donovan Waite shihan who visits your country regularly.