From AikiWiki - AikiWeb Aikido Information
[edit] How to Choose a Dojo
Articles:
[edit] Check the Lineage and Rank
I believe it is important to provide accurate lineage and background
information on training and promotions to alleviate fraud in
Aikido. All ranks listed are verifiable.
[edit] How to Choose an Aikido School/Instructor
Choosing an aikido school can be a very important decision. It is
necessary to find a good match between what you are looking for in
martial arts training and what is offered. Different schools and
styles of Aikido are prevalent. Some schools and organizations follow
the goals and rules of the founding organization (World Headquarters
Aikikai-Hombu dojo). Several master instructors and organizations
affiliate with the Aikikai directly or through the International
Aikido Federation (IAF). There are other organizations that have over
the years separated from the Aikikai and have legitimate Aikido
heritage and lineage. There are also independent groups with lineages
through such groups. These different organizations may vary by their
philosophy orientation, weapons training, and whether they are more
"hard" or "soft" styles.
Do your research before you choose!
[edit] Characteristics of Credible Schools
- Ranks/Titles Generally, Aikido instructor ranks can range from 1st degree up to 8th degree black belt. Lower ranked instructors (1st to 3rd degree) generally teach at clubs or dojos and may have the assistant instructor title fuku-shidoin. Intermediate level instructors (4th to 5th degree) generally teach at dojos and may be teaching or testing committee members. They may have the instructor title shidoin. Higher ranked black belts (6th-9th degree) are master level instructors and may head up larger organizations or be representatives for countries or regions. They may have the master title shihan. Aikido does not use such titles as grandmaster, soke, shodai, professor, or doctor. Very high ranks like 9th and 10th dan are very rare in Aikido with such masters generally studying over 50 years.
- Lineage/Rank Sources There are many legitimate organizations and all can trace their lineage back to one source: O-Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba). The most common organization groups are: Aikikai, Ki Society, Tomiki, and Yoshinkan, to name a few. There are other major groups and independent groups as well which generally have a past connection to a major organization and their leaders have attained high rank before separating. Legitimate aikido ranks are not awarded by non Aikido masters, karate organizations, or soke councils.
- Background Responsible Aikido schools provide factual and verifiable information about their history, lineage and ranks.
- Websites/Claims Aikido styles are not ryu arts (family or clan arts) handed down from secretive societies or instructors. Claims about secret military backgrounds and arts handed down from family to family are generally not part of the Aikido tradition.
- Special Powers Aikido as an art places special emphasis on harmony with energy or Ki. This is a foreign concept for many students and may seem somewhat esoteric. Ki training is an integral part of many Aikido organizations. Outlandish claims are not.
Sample Matrix for documenting rank (aikikai)
Aikikai Membership No., IAF Registration
Rank Date of Exam Examiner Registered No. Date of Reg.
Originally prepared by John Riggs. You are free to use this concept as fits your need.
