Statutes

STATUTES OF THE AIKIDO ALLIANCE

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Name

The name of this entity shall be the Aikido Alliance (Japanese name is Teppukai鉄風会, hereinafter referred to as the "Alliance").

Section 2. Purpose

The Alliance is established as a non-hierarchical, egalitarian umbrella coalition of Aikido organizations, dojos, and senior instructors. Its primary objectives are:

  1. To foster solidarity, friendship, and mutual support among like-minded Aikidoka while respecting the complete independence, autonomy, internal structures, and standards of each member.
  2. To provide a cohesive, unified platform for proper representation both nationally and internationally.
  3. To maintain, strengthen, and facilitate seamless continuity and direct connections with Aikido Hombu Dojo (Aikikai Foundation).
  4. To mentor the next generation of practitioners and serve as an inclusive sanctuary ("受け皿") for those devoted to the spirit and practice of Aikido as handed down by the Founder and master instructors.

ARTICLE II: GUIDING PRINCIPLES & GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

Section 1. Egalitarian Principles

The Alliance operates on the core principle that no single individual or organization shall dominate or exercise centralized authority over others. All participating members retain full autonomy regarding their internal testing (Exception: If a dojo or group leader cannot conduct examinations due to illness or other circumstances, the Alliance's Technical Committee will appoint a qualified substitute), administrative governance, and financial affairs.

Section 2. The Alliance Steering Council

The governing body of the Alliance shall be the Steering Council (the "Council"), composed of representatives from member organizations and senior instructors.

  • Voting & Consensus: Operational decisions shall be made by consensus whenever possible. Where a formal vote is required, each constituent entity/member holds equal voice and equal vote.
  • No Pecuniary Gain: No funds or assets of the Alliance shall accrue to the personal benefit of any individual officer or member organization.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS & LEADERSHIP

Section 1. Executive Officers

The executive roles of the Alliance shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, elected by the Steering Council.

Section 2. Rotation of the Presidency

  1. Term Limit: The President shall serve a term of two (2) years.
  2. Mandatory Rotation: To preserve the non-hierarchical character of the Alliance and prevent the centralization of authority, the Presidency shall automatically rotate every two years among designated senior leaders on the Steering Council.
  3. Eligibility & Re-election: A retiring President is eligible to serve again only after a minimum hiatus of one full term (two years), unless otherwise unanimously determined by the Council under extraordinary circumstances.

Section 3. Duties of the President

The President shall serve primarily as a diplomatic facilitator and presiding coordinator for meetings of the Council. The President acts as the primary representative of the Alliance in official communications with Aikido Hombu Dojo and external bodies, strictly adhering to the consensus and mandate of the Council.

ARTICLE IV: COMMITTEES

Section 1. Technical Committee

  1. The Council shall establish a Technical Committee composed of high-ranking senior instructors recognized for their technical authority and dedication to Aikikai standards.
  2. The Technical Committee advises on technical quality, clarifies criteria, and oversees the proper submission of promotion recommendations and administrative processing with Aikido Hombu Dojo / Aikikai.

Section 2. Global Friendship Network Committee

The Alliance accepts associate members, friends, and colleagues from abroad who share the spirit and principles of the Alliance. Admission of associate members to the Global Friendship Network requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Council.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP & AFFILIATION

Section 1. Membership Qualifications

Membership is open to recognized Aikido organizations, dojos, and senior instructors in the United States who commit to the spirit of friendship, solidarity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect as outlined in these Statutes.

Section 2. Autonomy of Members

Participation in the Alliance shall not alter or restrict any member's existing affiliations, direct lines of communication, or recognition status with Aikido Hombu Dojo or other international bodies.

ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENTS

These Statutes may be amended, altered, or repealed at any meeting of the Steering Council by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all voting representatives, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment has been submitted to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the vote.