Section 1: Name

The name of the organization shall be Aikido Philippines, Inc. hereinafter referred to as “AikiPhil”, “AP”, or the “Organization”.

Section 2: Purpose

Aikido Philippines, Inc. is a non-profit, not-stock entity established under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines for educational, cultural, and athletic purposes. Its primary objective is to:

• Promote, preserve, and advance the teaching and practice of Aikido in the Philippines, in accordance with the principles established by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba and guidance of Aikikai Foundation World Aikido Headquarters (Hombu Dojo).

• Provide a safe and inclusive environment for physical, mental, and personal development through the practice of traditional Aikido;

• Provide structured training, instruction, ranking, and certification aligned with recognized Aikido standards;

• Foster discipline, harmony, respect, and personal growth among practitioners;

• Organize seminars, public demonstrations, training camps, and other events that deepen appreciation and understanding of Aikido;

• Serve as an umbrella organization for AikiPhil member dojos, instructors, and students, encouraging collaboration, mutual respect, and shared development; and

• Ensure active affiliation and alignment with the Aikikai Foundation World Aikido Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Tokyo, Japan, in order to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the art.

The Organization shall operate exclusively for non-commercial purposes. No part of its income shall be distributed to any member, trustee, officer, or private individual, except in direct support of its lawful and stated objectives.

Section 1: Eligibility

Membership shall be open to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, or physical ability, who demonstrate commitment to uphold the principles of Aikido, practices and integrates Aikikai Hombu Dojo basic fundamentals on techniques, and abide by the rules and policies of AikiPhil.

Section 2: Categories of Membership

The Organization may recognize the following categories of membership:

• Regular Members: Dojos/clubs represented by dojo cho.

• Probationary Members: Dojo/clubs that are in the process of their application to join AikiPhil must satisfy conditions and requirements for regular membership within a period of two years (see Section 3).

• *Honorary Members: Individuals or entities recognized for their significant contributions to the advancement of Aikido and/or the Organization;

• Affiliate Members: Dojos/clubs represented by dojo cho recognized as part of the Organization’s network

Section 3: Affiliation Procedure for Dojo/Group (Non-Aikikai / Non-AikiPhil Affiliate):

1. Dojo/Group who would like to join AikiPhil has to submit the following document to theCouncil of Seniors of AikiPhil:

a) Letter of intent to affiliate

b) Listing of officers and members including rank date of joining aikido dojo and Aikikairegistration no, if available

c) Sensei’s resume

d) Dojo History and Organizational set up

e) Dojo rules and policy

f) List of dojo, address and schedule of practice

g) Previous aikido dojo affiliation / membership if any

2. The Council of Seniors shall review the submitted credentials / documents.

3. A team will visit and conduct a background check on the dojo to check the veracity of the submitted documents. The team will also interview the dojo sensei and officers and witness actual practice sessions.

4. The team shall submit a report and recommendation to the Council of Seniors or through the Secretary General.

5. If the applicant for affiliation is approved, the Dojo head and sensei will have a final interview to discuss the various requirements, fees and reports.

6. Applicant dojo upon acceptance becomes a probationary member of AikiPhil until completion of the mentoring stage.

7. A memorandum of agreement has to be prepared and signed to make official the various conditions made.

8. The Council of Seniors assigns an AikiPhil member dojo as mentor for the applicant dojo. The Mentoring process is to enable the applicant dojo to align themselves with Aikikai Hombu dojo style and philosophy of Aikido.

9. The mentoring process will be for a period of two years. During this probationary phase, the assigned dojo will send a team to the associate member dojo to demonstrate the technique and foster camaraderie of the associate member with AikiPhil. Expense to be incurred by the demonstration team shall be shouldered by the associate member dojo. The sending of a demonstration team shall be done at least twice a year during the mentoring stage.

10. At the end of the mentoring stage, the mentor dojo shall submit their recommendation to the Council of Seniors if the associate member dojo is qualified to become a full member dojo.

11. If the associate dojo receives an unfavorable recommendation from the mentor dojo, the monitoring process shall be extended for two years in order to meet the purpose of the monitoring process.

12. If the dojo initially practices a non-Hombu dojo style of aikido, the guidelines for accrediting a non-Hombu Dan grade member will apply.

Section 4: Rights and Privileges

• Members in good standing shall have the right to:

• Participate in events, seminars, and activities organized or endorsed by the Organization;

• Receive instruction, ranking, and certifications consistent with the Organization’s affiliation with the Aikikai Foundation World Aikido Headquarters;

• *Vote in general assemblies (if voting rights are granted by membership type); (note: “Dojo admin”)

• Be eligible to serve on committees or other roles, subject to applicable qualifications.

Section 5: Responsibilities of Members

All members are expected to:

• Uphold the values and principles of Traditional Aikido as promoted by Aikikai Hombu Dojo;

• Respect AikiPhil’s leadership, instructors, and fellow members;

• Adhere to technical and ethical standards established by the Organization;

○ Use skills only for defense and peace, not aggression.

○ Respect the dojo, instructors, and training partners.

○ Uphold the spirit of Aikido — harmony, discipline, and continuous learning.

○ Avoid arrogance, rivalry, or “dojo politics.”

• Remain in good financial standing.

Section 6: Termination or Suspension of Membership of the Dojo Cho

Membership may be suspended or terminated by the Secretary General (SecGen) with approval of the Council of Seniors for causes that shall be discussed internally, including but not limited to:

• Violation of Organization’s code of conduct or bylaws;

• Behavior that is contrary to the spirit and principles of Aikido;

○ On-mats horseplaying

○ Roughhousing

○ Power tripping (for Sensei, and AikiPhil leadership)

○ Harassment

○ Theft

• Non-payment of dues or failure to meet ongoing requirements, after due notice and reasonable opportunity to respond.

• Use of the Organizations name in any sort of activity that is not approved by the SecGen and Council of seniors.

A suspended or terminated member may appeal in writing to the SecGen, following the procedures established by the Organization.

Section 1: Council of Seniors

AikiPhil shall be governed by a Council of Elders/Seniors composed of at least five (5) senior members (at least 4th Dan and above) who are active practitioners. The Council of Elders may choose to appoint replacements for vacated posts or additional council members. The Council of Elders shall carry out the following responsibilities:

• Corresponds with Hombu Dojo, other Aikido dojos and federations, institutions regarding matters of interest and importance to the organization.

• Oversee the Organizational structure, major policies, and significant decisions;

• Approve or validate changes in the Organization (e.g., committees, affiliations, policies);

• Approve major expenses.

• Governance on membership, including disciplinary actions, grievance, and ethical oversight;

• Advisory role to Executive Committees.

Section 2: Chief Instructor

The highest grade and most senior members are qualified to be a candidate for the position of Chief Instructor, which will be decided via a voting system within the Council of seniors.

The Chief Instructor shall serve as AikiPhil’s Chief Instructor. He/She will serve as the highest authority in terms of Aikido practice, curriculum, and standards. The Chief Instructor shall be responsible for the following:

• Ensure Kyu/Dan promotions, instructors’ qualifications, and technical certifications are aligned with standards set by the Aikido World Headquarters, and agreed guidelines of AikiPhil;

• Approving endorsement for dan exams those conducted by visiting Japanese and non-Japanese Hombu Dojo-certified Shihan;

• Conducting semi-annual centralized local dan tests/examinations; or

• Authorizing a qualified AikiPhil Senior Instructor to conduct local dan exams on his behalf.

Section 3: Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is composed of Secretary General, Finance, Marketing and Events Management/PR (must be AikiPhil members) that will handle the day-to-day management and operational oversight of the Organization’s activities. Duties and responsibilities of the committee may include:

• Recommendation of policies and procedures led by the Secretary General

• Day-to-day management, coordination, and operational execution of the Organization’s programs, policies, and activities

• Handling internal and external communications on Organizational Matters led by the Secretary General

• Oversee financial operations, including budget preparation and oversight, financial reporting, Dues and Fees Management, fund raising and resource mobilization, audit and compliance led by identified finance committee head

• Ensure timely reporting and alignment with decisions made by the Council of Elders

Section 4: Central Committee

The Central Committee is composed of Council of Seniors, Executive committee, Dojo Heads and Representatives. Duties and responsibilities of the Central committee may include:

• Support the needs of member dojos and practitioners;

• Coordinate organizational events and initiatives led by Events Head;

○ Any event led or held by a dojo, group or individual member that is not disclosed to the Executive Committee is not considered a violation, however it shall not be considered an OFFICIAL AIKIPHIL EVENT, therefor the Organization has the right to deny its inclusion, participation and/or association from it for whatever reason it may be.

Section 1: Purpose 

To come up with a listing of the various fees to be collected by AikiPhil from member dojo AikiPhil to enable it to sustain its various projects, activities, and other undertakings for the growth of Aikido.

Section 2: List of fees to be collected by AikiPhil among its member dojo 

a) Dojo Annual Registration Fee 

b) AikiPhil Identification (I.D. or Business Card) Card Fee (if Applicable) 

c) AikiPhil share for every kyu examination fee 

d) AikiPhil share for every Dan examination fee

A. Dojo Annual Registration Fee

Purpose: The registration is for the yearly membership of AikiPhil member dojo.

Fee: The Annual Dojo Registration fee is Php1,500.00 due every first quarter of each year.

B. AikiPhil Identification (I.D.) Card Fee (for members deemed necessary to have an I.D. or Business Card)

Purpose:

1. The AikiPhil Identification (I.D.) card fee is to defray the cost of producing the official I.D. card for the individual AikiPhil members.

2. The fee applies to new and lost I.D. card replacement.

Fee:

1. AikiPhil I.D. card fee is Php200.00 to be collected by AikiPhil member dojo and remitted to AikiPhil.

2. Replacement cost for lost I.D. is Php200.00.

Section 3: Kyu Examination Fee Share

Purpose: Helps AikiPhil defray the costs of sponsoring shihan visits and seminars.

Fee: AikiPhil share is P150 for every kyu examination fee and ½ of the discount given by Hombu Dojo.

Section 4: DAN GRADE PROMOTION FEE

1. As of January 1999 the Standard Hombu rate for Dan grade exam is:

GRADE / ENTRANCE (JPY) / Total (JPY)

Shodan / 8,000 / 24,000

Nidan / 20,000 / 25,000

Sandan / 30,000 / 35,000

Yodan / 40,000 / 45,000

2. In support of the Aikido Federation, Hombu is giving a 50% discount on the Entrance and Registration fees. The discount schedule and amount to be remitted to Hombu is:

GRADE / ENTRANCE (JPY) 50% discounted / Registration (JPY) 50% discounted / Total (JPY)

Shodan / 4,000 / 5,000 / 14,000

Nidan / 10,000 / — / 14,000

Sandan / 15,000 / — / 19,000

Yodan / 20,000 / — / 24,000

3. To defray the cost of hosting the Shihan Visit, attendant cost needed in coordinating and communicating with Hombu and other dojos, AikiPhil is withholding 50% of the discount given by Hombu.

GRADE / ENTRANCE (JPY) 25% discounted / Registration (JPY) 25% discounted / Total (JPY)

Shodan / 2,000 / 2,500 / 4,500

Nidan / — / 5,000 / 5,000 

Sandan / — / 7,500 / 7,500

Yodan / — / 10,000 / 10,000

4. From the remaining 50% of the discount given by Hombu Dojo, AikiPhil share shall be 50% and the respective dojo whose member took the Dan grade exam receives the other 50% as follows:

Grade / AikiPhil & Hombu discounted rate difference (JPY) / AikiPhil Share (50% of difference) (JPY) / Dojo Share (50% of difference) (JPY)

Shodan / 4,500 / 2,250 / 2,250

Nidan / 5,000 / 2,500 / 2,500

Sandan / 8,500 / 4,250 /4,250

Yodan / 10,000 / 5,000 / 5,000

5. For exigency, member dojo shall submit to AikiPhil their Dan Grade exam candidates three months before of the scheduled exam.

6. Exam fees in Japanese Yen together with duly accomplished application and registration form for Dan grade exams should be forwarded to AikiPhil one month before the scheduled exam date.

Section 1: Purpose

a) To establish guidelines for the ranking and belting structure for the various dan, kyu and sub-kyu grade level of AikiPhil dojo individual members.

b) To address the ranking and belting structure of the adult and children member of AikiPhil dojo.

c) To set up guideline for a centralized issuance by AikiPhil of Kyu Grade Certificate to all AikiPhil Individual members who took and passed Kyu grade promotional examination.

d) To set up guideline for processing from one Kyu grade level to the next.

e) To define what is an attendance or practice session that would be credited as a day of practice.

Section 2: Definition

I. Dan Grade

1. The category of dan rank are those students of aikido who have taken the dan grade exam, passed and awarded their Yudansha and black belts.

2. Students who hold dan rank, from 1st dan (shodan) upward, wear the black belt over white or cream-colored uniform (gi) and under a black or blue hakama.

3. To qualify for shodan grade, the student or member should at least be 15 years of age and above and have passed all the kyu grades requirements.

4. To qualify for yondan grade, the student or member should at least be 30 years of age and above.

5. Classes conducted by dojo instructor/s are credited as an attendance for the day.

6. To avoid misinterpretation on dojo with more than one practice session per day, a practice of two or more sessions for a day shall be credited as one day of practice. Instructors are encouraged to attend the practice session for the senior belt of other dojo in order to maintain proficiency and stamina.

Dan grade candidates are compelled to attend all Shihan Seminars sponsored by Aikido Philippines except for meritorious absences. You will not be allowed to take your yudansha examination if you failed to attend any Shihan seminars.

II. Category and rank for dan grade rank:

Dan Rank (Title) / Belt & Uniform

1st Dan (Shodan) / Black Belt and Hakama

2nd Dan (Nidan) / Black Belt and Hakama

3rd Dan (Sandan) / Black Belt and Hakama

4th Dan (Yodan) / Black Belt and Hakama

5th Dan (Godan – Endorsement/Honorary) / Black Belt and Hakama

6th Dan (Rokudan – Endorsement/Honorary) / Black Belt and Hakama

7th Dan (Shichidan) – Endorsement/Honorary / Black Belt and Hakama

8th Dan (Hachidan) – Endorsement/Honorary / Black Belt and Hakama

III. Kyu Grade:

1. The category of kyu rank embraces students of AikiPhil who have not yet attained the rank of dan grade.

2. Kyu grade rank is to be conferred to students who are 12 years old and above.

3. Students who hold kyu grade rank, from 6th kyu to 1st kyu, wear the belt over the standard white or cream-colored uniform (gi).

4. Category and rank for kyu grade rank:

Kyu Rank / Belt

6th Kyu (Rokkyu) / White Belt

5th Kyu (Gokyu) / White Belt

4th Kyu (Yonkyu) / Blue Belt

3rd Kyu (Sankyu) / Blue Belt

2nd Kyu (Nikkyu) / Brown Belt

1st Kyu (Ikkyu) / Brown Belt

IV. Sub-Kyu Grade:

1. The category of sub-kyu rank embraces students of AikiPhil who are 7 to 12 years of age.

2. Upon reaching the age 12 or 13, sub-kyu grade students can qualify to take the 4th kyu and upon passing be conferred the 4th kyu grade.

3. Students who hold sub-kyu grade rank, from 1st sub-kyu to 6th sub-kyu, wear the belt over the standard white or cream-colored uniform (gi).

4. Category and rank for sub-kyu grade rank:

Sub-Kyu Rank / Belt

10th Sub-Kyu / White Belt

9th Sub-Kyu / Yellow Belt

8th Sub-Kyu / Orange Belt

7th Sub-Kyu / Green Belt

6th Sub-Kyu / Purple Belt

4th Kyu / Blue Belt

Section 3: Kyu and Sub-Kyu Grade Certificate

a) It is the policy of AikiPhil that there shall be no by-passing or acceleration of promotion examination. All shall take and pass all Kyu grade levels as provided for.

b) Attendance credit is on a per session of practice.

Section 4: Notification of Kyu Grade Exam

Dojo instructors shall formally notify AikiPhil Secretariat regarding upcoming examinations no less than two (2) weeks prior to the examination date.

Section 5: Conduct of Kyu Grade Examination

1. Kyu grade examination shall be conducted in the dojo where the examinee regularlypractices.

2. The exam seeks to determine the proficiency of the student and level of teaching of thedojo based on the minimum requirement of the Hombu Dojo Grading format for Kyugrade and the Sub kyu grade as formulated by AikiPhil.

Section 6: Issuance of Certificate

1. All Kyu grade promotional exams shall be transmitted to AikiPhil for verification of attendance, record updating and issuance of Kyu Grade Certificate.

2. The Dojo sensei shall forward to AikiPhil Secretariat the name(s) of successful examinee(s) for Kyu Grade Certificate preparation: