Following our Annual International Seminar in 2002 given by Kobayashi Hiroaki Sensei, 6th Dan, we were honoured to be officially appointed as the UK representatives of Aikido Kobayashi Dojos, Japan. This confirmed years of work and practice by the OAA to build strong links with Kobayashi Dojos and traditional aikido in Japan as we developed our own aikido.

Aikido Kobayashi Dojos was founded by Kobayashi Yasuo Shihan, 8th Dan, in 1969 and has grown into an international organisation with over 120 affiliated and directly run dojos in Japan and abroad - spanning 15 countries and regularly sending instructors to hold seminars and gradings there.

Shihan Kobayashi began his training in 1954 and, as an uchideshi in Hombu dojo, received direct instruction from the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, as well as his senior instructors and students (more information about Shihan Kobayashi's aikido career and Kobayashi Dojos can be found here).

This is a very important step for the OAA and all our students. It means we become part of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo's extended family, receiving direct instruction and recognition from Japan. Going forward all our Dan gradings will be under the direction of Hiroaki Sensei and will be officially recognised in Hombu Dojo. Our first Yudansha grading as part of Aikido Kobyashi Dojos took place in June 2003 and students from our dojo have now taken part in the uchideshi program in Japan. This a strong and vital link in the OAA's future and benefits our students greatly. And it's fun!

Congratulations and thanks are due to everyone in the OAA and Aikido Kobayashi Dojos for making this happen.

Chris Diacopoulos, Chief Instructor Open Aikido Association.