Welcome to Aikido Yoshokai Association of North America

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Aikido 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.
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.
Aikido Aikido - Calligraphy by Kushida-sensei
Side step-in throw
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.
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 click the picture below or go to http://www.genyokan.org
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.

2012 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 14th
  • >April 10th
  • >June 12th
  • >August 14th
  • >October 9th
  • >December 11th

2012 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 10th
  • >November 11th