IAF – International Aikido Federation
The International Aikido Federation (IAF) is the primary global organization for aikido - and it is connected directly to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, in Tokyo, Japan. It is an umbrella organization with member organizations from 80 countries.
All member organizations must be approved by the Hombu Dojo, so the IAF represents only Aikikai affiliated organizations. The IAF is a relatively democratically based organization, with elected officials and board members.
The connection to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo is based on the leadership of Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu as president and a "Senior Council", which takes care of the technical and moral integrity of aikido.
The IAF currently has one member organization per country, and gives each of these member organizations equal voting rights. The IAF has recently worked extsensively to allow the recognized organization to become an umbrella organization, hereby including other national organizations to be a part of the main IAF-recognized national organization (as long as the given organization is also recognized by Aikikai Hombu Dojo).
IAF conducts aikido demonstrations and teaching In connection with the World Combat Games – a large, international martial arts / martial arts event which is held in various places around the world.
The IAF represents aikido on a global level. The IAF is very active in promoting and supporting aikido worldwide. Work groups are created by the IAF in areas such as Gender Equality, Youth Aikido and much more.
The IAF also organizes an International Aikido Congress every four years, where development meetings are held with representatives from member organizations. At the same time, daily training sessions are held, led by some of the most highly qualified aikido instructors.
IAF was founded in 1976. The current chairman is Mr. Wilko Vriesman, and Vice Chairman is Mr. Kei Izawa.
The Danish Aikido Federation is an official member of the International Aikido Federation, admitted in 2009. In 2012, a delegation from DAF's management actively participated in the IAF congress held in Tokyo, held in Tokyo. The delegation consisted of Keith Olen Barger (President), Ethan Monnot Weisgard (Chairman) and Jan Max Bunzel (International Secretary).
In 2016 the 12th International IAF Congress was held in Takasaki, Japan. The Danish Aikido Federation was represented by Mark Jewkes (DAF board member) and Ethan Monnot Weisgard (DAF chairman).