Shoyukan Aikikai France

Code of Ethics

The unifying spirit of any group of aikidoka can only be founded on ethical principles. Born of the tradition of Japanese budo, of the culture of Japan and of universal moral values, this ethic seeks to achieve a harmony of body, heart and mind.

The ethic of Aikido is today threatened in its very essence: the more Aikido spreads, the more it adapts to the habits of societies, and the greater the risk of seeing its tradition betrayed. In one of his rare writings, Kisshomaru UESHIBA Doshu was already voicing his concern at the development and popularisation of Aikido.

With the Doshu in Iwama, 2007
With the Doshu in Iwama, 2007

A harmony of body, heart and mind.

The ethical rules on the tatami

SHOYUKAN AIKIKAI FRANCE has taken on the role of promoting these ethical rules on the tatami:

  • Respect for one’s partner, who must first and foremost be regarded as a companion indispensable to all practice.
  • A clear knowledge of oneself, of one’s abilities and of one’s limits.
  • The fight against every form of complacency, pride or violence.
  • Awareness of solidarity, which practice requires, and of mutual trust.
  • Care for the newest beginners, who deserve the full attention and consideration of the most experienced.
  • The kohai / sempai relationship (beginner / senior), a hierarchy founded above all on mutual respect. Respect for the place of practice, the “dojo”, and the observance of its rituals.
  • At least a basic knowledge of the ways and customs of Japanese culture, so as to connect one’s practice to the tradition.

What this entails

The pursuit of these objectives entails:

  • Taking into account the human qualities of teachers and practitioners. Aikido cannot be regarded as a commodity or a source of profit, still less be used to display power or domination.
  • Opposing all those who abuse Aikido by pursuing interests foreign to its spirit.
  • Striving to keep alive and unaltered the aesthetic, moral, technical, traditional and spiritual values of Aikido intended by its creator, O Sensei Morihei UESHIBA.