"Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer."
- O'Sensei
Aikido Schools of Ueshiba Handbook
Shobu Aikido is part of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU). ASU is the membership organization that affiliates more than one hundred North American dojos under the instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan (Master). It is affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
"The mission of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba is to preserve and disseminate the teachings and principles of Aikido, as transmitted by Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, to his direct disciple Mitsugi Saotome Shihan."
When students meet the requisite qualification for advancement, they become eligible to receive a certificate of promotion. These certificates range from sixth kyu to first kyu and are issued directly by the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba ASU, an international Aikido organization founded by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan.
After completing first kyu, a student then become eligible to test for Shodan, or black belt. Certificates for Shodan and all other black belt advancements are issued directly by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
All of the promotion Certifications that a Shobu Aikido student acquires during training are recognized by all ASU Dojo affiliates.
Click on ASU Handbook Training Manual to learn more about aikido dojo rules, training, and certification requirements for each rank.