Aikido is a new Japanese martial art created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba, an expert who reached the highest level of mastery in the classical Japanese martial arts. Officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, the Aikikai Foundation (Aikido World Headquarters) is the parent organization for the development and popularization of Aikido throughout the world. Under the leadership of Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu, instructors are teaching Aikido according to the ideals of the Founder (Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei) to students in Japan and throughout the world.

Current Activities

Since contemporary values stress respect for human life, Aikido is a highly relevant form of the Japanese martial arts. Aikido is popular not just in Japan but throughout the world because people accept and agree with the underlying philosophy of Aikido. Instructors from the Aikido World Headquarters are dispatched to countries throughout North and South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Transcending boundaries of race and nationality, Aikido is practiced and loved by over 1.2 million people in more than fifty countries around the world.

Future Prospects

As travel, work, and study abroad have now become commonplace, Aikido is spreading internationally because it can be viewed as a "product of a shared cultural heritage," culture not bound to any one nation or people-a legacy which can contribute to peace and prosperity. Seen as such, expectations for Aikido's role in the coming century are great.

IAF	In 1975, to unite Aikido practitioners from around the world, the International Aikido Federation (IAF) was formed, paving the way for Aikido activities to be conducted on a truly global scale.
GAISF	The IAF became a Member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) at the GAISF General Meeting in Monte Carlo, Monaco in 1984, and participated in the Third World Games held in Karlsruhe, West Germany in 1989.
JOCV	Commensurate to the development of Aikido throughout the world, requests to send Aikido experts to teach around the world surged from groups such as the Japan Foundation and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. JOCV volunteers teach Aikido for two years in the local country and Japan Foundation participants stay for a variety of lengths on several programs.