Aikido Yoshokai Association of America

Aikido is a form of Japanese Budo, a way of study including both physical and mental training. The word Aikido can be loosely translated as "the Way (do) of harmony (ai) with nature or universal energy (ki)." Aikido is a way of studying harmony through physical movements. We study moving in harmony with others to eventually strive to create harmony with nature.
The Aikido Yoshokai Association of North America (AYANA) is a non profit educational corporation established by Takashi Kushida-sensei. AYANA is dedicated to teaching Yoshokai Aikido and educating the general public about Aikido in particular and Japanese Budo in general. Kushida-sensei teaches at the Genyokan Dojo which is the headquarters of AYANA.

Kushida-sensei Memorial Events

Osu!
Thank you for everyone’s participation and well wishes for Kushida-sensei’s Memorial Events. There were many opportunities to study Kushida-sensei’s teachings together.
Students from near and far, those who have studied Aikido for only a month to seniors who studied for almost 40 years, and people who are currently studying to those who have studied in the past, all came together to share their energy to bask in Kushida-sensei’s teachings. Read more

Sensei Takashi Kushida - May 2, 1935 - May 10, 2012

We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our president and head instructor, Sensei Takashi Kushida, who died on May 10, 2012 after an extended illness. The founder of Yoshokai Aikido, Kushida-sensei was one of the first uchideshi of Gozo Shioda-sensei—an original student of Morihei Ueshiba-sensei.
AYANA activities and training at the Genyokan Dojo in Ann Arbor will continue under the direction of Kushida-sensei's son, Akira Kushida-sensei.
In accordance with Kushida-sensei’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. Memorial donations may be made to the "Kushida-sensei and Mrs. Kushida Fund" in care of AYANA, 3796 Plaza Dr. , Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Video Clips of Kushida-sensei and AYANA Students

To view video clips of Kushida-sensei and AYANA students demonstrating Yoshokai Aikido at the Genyokan Dojo and other locations in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area go to http://www.genyokan.org

Aikido - Calligraphy by Kushida-sensei

Interested in learning more about Aikido? Check out the Starting Adult Aikido or Starting Youth Aikido page. To view a complete class schedule, go to the Genyokan Schedule page.

To find an AYANA dojo in your area, search the listing of AYANA Dojo Locations.

2013 Kyu Rank Exams

Spectators are welcome. Kyu exams are held Tuesday evenings and begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Dates listed below are for exams held at the Genyokan Dojo.

>February 12th
>April 16th
>June 18th
>August 6th
>October 8th
>December 10th

2013 Dan Rank Exams

Spectators are welcome. Dan (black belt) exams are held Sunday mornings and begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Dates listed are for exams held at the Genyokan Dojo.

>June 9th
>November 3rd