1. Definitions and Abbreviations

The name of the association shall be the Australasian Aikikai

The Association Australasian Aikikai
U.K.A. United Kingdom Aikikai
A.J.F. Australian Jujitsu Federation
A.G.M. Annual General Meeting
N.C.A.S. National Coaching Accreditation Scheme

2. Objectives

The objectives of the association shall be:-

2.1 To develop Aikido according to the principles as defined by the Founder Morihei Ueshiba and by his successors as approved by the Aikido Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Hombu Dojo Tokyo Japan.

2.2 To represent collectively the affiliated members and dojos and / or organisations when required.

2.3 To receive and consider reports, comments and recommendations from the representatives of member dojos as well as to provide a forum for the said representatives to voice opinions related to the organisation.

2.4 To co-operate to ensure that as far as possible, the best use of facilities is made to the benefit of the majority of members, dojos or organisations.

2.5 To assist any authorised body by advice or acts deemed beneficial to the Association.

3. Membership

Membership of the Association shall be open to:-

3.1 All individuals normally resident in Australia.

3.2 Any organisation practicing Aikido as defined in 2.1 above.

3.3 Any individual may become an honorary member of the Association at the discretion of the Management Committee.

3.4 The Management Committee reserves the right to refuse membership to, or expel from the Association, any member, dojo or organisation. Anyone so denied has the right to appeal, to be lodged within one calendar month of notice of such denial or expulsion. Appeal to be heard by the Management Committee, within one calendar month of receipt.

3.5 A pending new member seeking to practice in the martial art of Aikido must sign a liability waver giving the member one month to join the Association, or not, as the case may be.

3.6 A new member of the Association must, on admission, complete all membership forms and pay to the Association the correct fee of $30.00 or, if some other amount is determined by the Management Committee, that other amount.

3.7 In addition to any amount payable by the member under clause (3.6), a member of the Association must pay to the Association an annual membership fee of $30.00 or, if some other amount is determined by the committee, that other amount.

3.8. Voting

3.8.1 Voting shall be by simple majority. Each member shall have one vote. No provision shall be made for voting by proxy

3.8.2 In the event of a tied vote the Chairperson shall carry the casting / deciding vote.

3.8.3 Members are allowed to vote during annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings.

3.8.4 An individual whose membership lapses, does not have voting rights until such time as their membership is renewed.

4. Government

4.1 The government of the Association shall be vested in an internal house system. A house shall be led by an A.A. appointed Shidoin / Fukushidoin (House Principal)

4.2 The appointed House Principal shall be responsible for the organisation of administration, teaching and coaching within their dojo / group of dojos, and for ensuring that these matters are conducted in a manner which conforms to the recommendations and / or codes of practice suggested by the Association and the U.K.A.

4.3 The Management Committee together with the Technical Committee will be supported by the Association.

4.4 The policy and finance of the A.A. to rest with the Management Committee.

4.5 An A.A. President should be appointed by the Management Committee and be presented to Aikikai International Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, Tokyo as the head of the organisation and the main representative of the A.A. to the U.K.A.

5. The Officers

The offices of the Association shall be:-

▪ The President

▪ The Chairperson

▪ The Treasurer

▪ The Secretary

5.1 The officers of the Association shall be elected every two years at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association, or at an extra ordinary general meeting called for that purpose. Election shall be by democratic principle of simple majority.

5.2 Nominations for Officers positions should be submitted by the nominating member using forms provided by 28 days before the A.G.M. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.

5.3 In the interest of continuity the offices elected will stand in office for two years.

5.4 A Minutes Secretary may be appointed.

5.5 A dojo representative from each dojo shall be appointed by that dojo to represent them in administrative meetings, see 8.2. This shall not be the House Principal.

6. Duties of the Officers

The duties of the Officers shall be:-

6.1 The Chairperson shall represent the Association to or on outside bodies. The Chairperson shall promote full contact between the Association dojos, the Management Committee and the Technical Committee, and shall take the chair at the Annual General Meeting, and at extra ordinary general meetings. It is the duty of the Chairperson to call extra ordinary general meetings when required. The Chairperson shall appoint a deputy to chair a meeting, valid for the duration of the meeting only, in the event of being unable to attend. The Chairperson shall be elected at by the membership at the A.G.M. and shall hold office for two years.

6.2. The Treasurer shall maintain the books of accounts and be able to give an account of the financial state of the Association, and of its income and expenditure whenever required. The Treasurer shall arrange an annual statement of the Association accounts for presentation at the A.G.M. and shall be responsible for all transactions made in the name or on behalf of the Association. The Treasurer shall hold office for 2 years and be elected during the A.G.M.

6.3. The General Secretary (or Secretary) shall be responsible for the general administration of the Association and assist the Chairperson in representing the Association to or on outside bodies. The Secretary shall delegate tasks to individual members as deemed necessary, and ensure that the Minutes Secretary keeps accurate records of all decisions made by the committees of the Association. The Secretary shall hold office for two years and be elected during the A.G.M.

6.4 Supplementary Officers

Their duties shall be:-

6.4.1 The Registrar.

▪ To maintain a current record and analysis of the Association Membership
▪ To liaise with the U.K.A. via the General Secretary on any matter regarding the A.A.
Membership.
▪ To ensure registration of the Association’s membership with the U.K.A. in accordance
with the code of practice of that body.

6.4.2 The Coach Liaison Officer.

▪ To liaise on behalf of the Association with the Australian Jujitsu Association (or other peak Industry body) on all matters regarding coaches and coaching.
▪ To maintain a current record and analysis of the Association’s coaches, and details of their qualifications.
▪ To advise the Technical Committee on all matters concerning the A.J.F. (or other) codes of practice.
▪ To ensure all teachers are child protection screened and maintain regular screening.
▪ To be the point of contact between the two bodies.

6.4.3 The Dan Grade Co-ordinator:
▪ To liaise on behalf of the Association’s members and with the U.K.A. and with the Aikido World Headquarters Hombu Dojo, Tokyo Japan.
▪ To issue the Associations members with the necessary forms required to complete, in order for them to take a Dan Grade examination and forward to the U.K.A.
▪ To maintain a current record and analysis of the Associations Yudansha holders.
▪ To be the point of contact between the three bodies.

7. The Management Committee:
7.1 The Management Committee shall consist of the A.A. President and House Principles. The General Secretary may be asked to attend in an advisory capacity if requested by the acting Chairperson.
7.2 A chair person will be elected amongst their own ranks.
7.3 At meetings of the Management Committee each member shall have one vote. There shall be no provision for vote by proxy.
7.4 A House Principal may appoint a dojo representative to attend in his or her place if that House Principal is unable to attend.
7.5 All members of the Management Committee will have full voting rights.

7.5 Duties of the Management Committee
7.5.1 To oversee the policy governing the conduct, and code of practice by all members and member dojos. To receive and consider the application for affiliation of any dojo or organisation that fulfils the constitutional objectives of the A.A. Upon acceptance, such dojo or organisation will be assigned to the authority of a House Principal who will accept the new dojo into their House and assume responsibility of overseeing the actions and administration of said dojo or organisation.

8. Administration Committee
8.1 The Administrative Committee shall comprise the President, Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, House Principal and a representative from each Dojo.
8.2 A dojo representative shall be elected by each individual dojo to represent the members of that dojo during administrative meetings. They shall be elected by a vote internal and hold office for one year. These appointees shall not be able to vote at any Administration Committee meeting.
8.3 Offices of the Association may not accept the role of dojo representative.

8.4 Duties of the Administration Committee
8.4.1 To establish all fees and subscriptions relating to the Association.
8.4.2 To consider all mandates, requests or otherwise, from international or regional governing bodies regarding the Association.
8.4.3 To appoint sub-committees as necessary, and to delegate thereto such powers and duties as are considered appropriate.
8.4.4 To consider any other items concerning the business of the Association.
8.4.5 To call an extra ordinary meeting of the Management Committee within one calendar month of receiving an emergency resolution signed by at least 10 members of the AA where only matters arising from the resolution are to be discussed.
8.4.6 To consider all functions and to organise such functions for and behalf of the Association.

9. Technical Committee
9.1 The Technical Committee shall consist of the A.A. president, plus the House Principals. The Technical Committee may elect a chairperson and a secretary.
9.2 The Coach Liaison Officer is an ex-officio of this committee.

9.3 Duties of the Technical Committee
9.3.1 It is the responsibility of the Technical Committee to maintain and seek to improve the quality of Aikido and the standards of practice within the Australasian Aikikai. Similarly to maintain the quality and regulate the qualification of its Instructors, overseeing and examining potential future Instructors. The Technical Committee shall be responsible for “all matters technical” including teaching, syllabus, grading, fukushidoin requirements (other than appointments) etc.
9.3.2 The technical Committee shall have the power to request the resignation of its own members. Such action to be taken by the entire remainder of the Technical Committee and shall be carried by a minimum majority of two votes.
9.3.3 All members of the Technical Committee have full voting rights with the A.A. President having the casting vote.

10. The A.A. President
10.1 The President of the Australasian Aikikai shall be nominated by the Management Committee and shall be entitled to attend any meeting of the AA. The president shall be the official representative to the UKA.

11. Annual General Meetings – Holding Of
11.1 With the exception of the first Annual General Meeting of the Association, the Association must, at least once in each calendar year and within the period of six months after the expiration of each financial year of the Association, convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM)
11.2 The Association must hold its first AGM:
11.2a Within the period of 18 months after its incorporation and
11.2b Within the period of six months after the expiration of the first financial year of the Association.

12. Annual General Meetings – Calling Of and Business At
12.1 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association is, subject to the Act and to rule 11, to be convened on such a date and at such a place and time as the Management Committee sees fit.
12.2 In addition to any other business which may be transacted at an AGM, it is to include the following:
12.2a Confirmation of the minutes of the last preceding AGM.
12.2b Receipt by the Management Committee reports on the activities of the Association during the last preceding financial year.
12.2c Election of office-bearers of the Association and ordinary members of the Management Committee as required.

13. Special General Meetings – Calling Of
13.1 The Management Committee may, whenever it thinks fit, convene a special general meeting of the Association.
13.2 The Management Committee must, on the requisition in writing of at least five per cent of the total members, convene a special general meeting of the Association.
13.3 A requisition of members for a special general meeting:
13.3a must state the purposes of the meeting, and
13.3b must be signed by the members making the requisition, and
13.3c must be lodged with the General Secretary, and
13.3d may consist of several documents in a similar form, each signed by one or more of the members making the requisition.
13.4 If the Management Committee fails to convene a special general meeting to be held within one month after that date on which a requisition of members for the meeting is lodged with the General Secretary, any one or more of the members who made the requisition may convene a special general meeting to be held not later than three months after that date.
13.5 A special general meeting convened by a member or members as referred to in clause (4) must be convened as nearly as is practicable in the same manner as general meetings are convened by the Management Committee and any member who consequently incurs expenses is entitled to be reimbursed by the Association for any expense so incurred.

14. Notice
14.1 Except if the nature of the business proposed to be dealt with at a general meeting requires a special resolution of the Association, the Secretary must, at least 14 days before the date fixed for holding of the AGM, give notice to each member specifying the place, date and time of the meeting and the nature of the business proposed to be transacted at the meeting.
14.2 If the nature of the business proposed to be dealt with at a general meeting requires a special resolution of the Association, the Secretary must, at least 21 days before the date fixed for the holding of the general meeting, cause notice to be given to each member specifying, in addition to the matter required under clause (1), the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution.
14.3 No business other than that specified in the notice convening a general meeting is to be transacted at the meeting except, in the case of an AGM, business which may be transacted under rule 12(2)
14.4 A member desiring to bring any business before an AGM may give notice in writing of that business to the Secretary who must include that business in the next notice calling a general meeting given after receipt of the notice from a member.

15. Resolution of Internal Disputes
15.1 Disputes between members (in their capacity as members) of the Association, and disputes between members and the Association are to be referred to a community justice centre for mediation in accordance with the Community Justice Centres Act 1983.
15.2 At least seven days before a mediation session is to commence, the parties are to exchange statements of the issues that are in dispute between them and supply copies to the mediator.

16. Disciplining of Members
16.1 A complaint may be made to the Management Committee by any person that is a member of the Association, about another member, if the subject of the complaint (he or she):
16.1a has persistently refused or neglected to comply with a provision or provisions of these rules, or
16.1b has persistently and wilfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Association.
16.2 On receiving such a complaint, the Management Committee:
16.2a must cause notice of the complaint to be served on the member concerned; and
16.2b must give the member at least 14 days from the time the notice is served within which to make submissions to the Management Committee in connection with the complaint, and
16.2c must take into consideration any submissions made by the member in connection with the complaint.
16.3 The Management Committee may, by resolution, expel the member from the Association or suspend the member from membership of the Association if, after considering the complaint and any submissions made in connection with the complaint, it is satisfied that the facts alleged in the complaint have been proved and warrant such action.
16.4 If the Management Committee expels or suspends a member, the Secretary must, within seven days after the action is taken, cause written notice to be given to the member of the action taken of the reasons given by the Management Committee for having taken that action
16.5 A member may appeal against their expulsion or suspension within seven days after notice of the resolution is served on the member, by lodging with the Secretary a notice outlining the grounds of their appeal.
16.5a On receipt of such a notice, the Secretary must notify the Management Committee which is to call a meeting within 28 days to consider the grounds of appeal.
16.5b At that meeting, the Management Committee must consider only the matter at hand. They may choose to receive further evidence, written or oral, and must vote by secret ballot on whether the suspension or expulsion should be confirmed or revoked.

17. Removal of Member
17.1 The Association in general meeting may by resolution remove any member of the Management Committee from the office of member before the expiration of the member’s term of office and may by resolution appoint another person to hold office until expiration of the term of office of the member so removed.
17.2 If a member of the Management Committee to whom a proposed resolution referred to in clause (1) relates make representations in writing to the Secretary or President (not exceeding a reasonable length) and requests that the representation be notified to the members of the Association, the Secretary or the President may send a copy of the representations to each member of the Association or, if the representations are not so sent, the member is entitled to require that the representations be read out at the meeting which the resolution is considered.

18. Meetings and Quorum
18.1 The Management Committee must meet at least three times a year in each period of 12 months at such place and time as the Management Committee may determine.
18.2 Additional meetings of the Management Committee may be convened by the President or by any member of the Management Committee.
18.3 Oral or written notice of the meeting must be given by the Secretary to each member of the Management Committee at least 48 hours (or such other period as may be unanimously agreed on) before the time appointed for the holding of the meeting.
18.4 Notice of a meeting given under clause (3) must specify the general nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting and no business other than that business is to be transacted at the meeting, except business which the Management Committee members present at the meeting unanimously agree to treat as urgent business.
18.5 Any three members of the Management Committee constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of a meeting of the committee.
18.6 No business is to be transacted by the Management Committee unless a quorum is present and if, within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the meeting is to stand adjourned to the same place and at the same hour of the same day in the following week.
18.7 If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour of the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting is to be dissolved.
18.8 At a meeting of the committee:
18.8a the President or, in the President’s absence, the Chairperson is to preside, or
18.8b if the President and the Chairperson are absent or unwilling to act, such one of the remaining members of the committee s may be chosen by the members present at the meeting is to preside.

19. Rules of Grading
19.1. Opportunity to grade under the Australasian Aikikai syllabus occurs at least twice per calendar year. A student may also grade at their own dojo whenever its House Principal deems it appropriate. A person may only grade at these times subject to the final determination of their Instructor.
19.2. Grading fees must be paid prior to the grading.
19.3. In assessing a person’s readiness to grade, the Instructor takes into consideration such factors as: consistency of attendance; attitude; focus; and attention during training sessions, as much as a person’s knowledge of the Australasian Aikikai syllabus to the point he or she wishes to grade, as well as meeting hour requirements.
19.4. To secure grading under the Australasian Aikikai syllabus a person must be a current and ongoing financial member of the Australasian Aikikai.
19.5. Membership of the Australasian Aikikai requires a person to agree to be bound by this Code of Conduct.
19.6. The Australasian Aikikai reserves the right to revoke the grading of any person who breaches this Code of Conduct or is convicted of any criminal offence
19.7 The Grading Authority of the Australasian Aikikai is provided through Colin Hackett 5th Dan Shidoin, in conjunction with the A.A. Technical Committee and comes from Hombu Dojo Japan through the A.A.’s Technical Director Gordon Jones 6TH Dan Shihan and is to be applied in the manner set down within these Rules.
19.8 The Dan Grade Coordinator will liaise with the UKA in the lead up to Yudansha examination and following a successful Yudansha grading to advise and conform with Hombu Dojo requirements for registration of grades and issuing of Yudansha certification.
19.9 National Coaching Accreditation. The Australasian Aikikai supports participation in the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme for all instructors and the NCAS Level 1/2 Aikido is to be achieved prior to confirmation of a member being put forward as a regular instructor.
19.10 Coaching and Grading Curriculum. The President will be responsible for the ongoing development and approval of a coaching and grading curriculum. The curriculum will set down the assessment criteria and standards to be achieved for successful grading.
19.11 Assessment for Promotion (Kyu Grades). Members who hold the rank of Fukushidoin may be given authority to award grades under the assessment criteria set down within the coaching curriculum of their House, up to the grade of senior 4th Kyu.
19.12 Dan Grades. All Black Belt holders, no matter what rank wear Hakama (Black or Blue) and are awarded Black Belt. Minimum age for 1st Dan – 16 years – 4th Dan 22 years. Female students may be awarded Hakama after successfully passing 3rd Kyu Grade.
19.13 Assessment for Promotion (Dan Grades) Grading Assessment. The senior member of the Technical Committee at a grading course will be the chairman of the grading panel and the grading will be conducted under the assessment criteria set down within the coaching and grading curriculum of the school.
19.14 Panel Information. The grading panel shall be made up of three (3) members who are NCAS accredited (or equivalent) and who are graded to a rank not less than one Dan higher than the grade to be examined: Provided that in special circumstances the President may approve a panel where two (2) members of the panel who have considerable experience beyond their personal grade level, are of a rank equal to the grade to be examined.
19.15 Mat Steward. The Chairman of the grading panel may appoint a member of appropriate rank and ability to control the mat and convey the requirements of the panel to the candidate.
19.16 Successful Grading. The approval of a successful grading and awarding of the rank promotion will require the support of each of the three (3) members of the panel.
19.17 Regrading Following an Unsuccessful Grading. Should any grading be unsuccessful then a further six months must elapse before becoming eligible for re-examination. A member, who has been previously unsuccessful, shall be required to repeat all requirements of the grading at the time of re-examination.
19.18 Time between Gradings. Progression through the senior Kyu grades is competency- based and there is no minimum time period. However, as a guide, the hour requirements listed in the syllabus should be adhered to. (REMOVED TIME TO SHODAN PART)
19.19 Intervals between Yudansha grades. There will be a minimum set time of active training after graduation of a Yudansha grade before becoming eligible for higher gradings, as follows:
Shodan – at least one year after obtaining 1st Kyu
(NCAS Level 2 plus First Aid Certificate is recommended).

Nidan – at least two years after obtaining Nidan.

Sandan – at least three years after obtaining Sandan.

Yondan – at least four years after obtaining Sandan.

Above Yondan by recommendation.
19.20 During these years the member is to take an active interest in the administration duties of their dojo, to pass on their knowledge in Aikido and to generally assist in the promotion of the objectives of the A.A. The head of the school may reject or defer an application for grading where the applicant has not demonstrated compliance with these requirements.

20. Shidoin Policy
20.1 Shidoin – Certified Instructor. The title of Shidoin can be awarded to members of the Australasian Aikikai holding the rank of Sandan or above. It is expected that they already hold a current First Aid Certificate, have been child protected screened and hold some form of accreditation such as NCAS.
20.2 Applicants for Shidoin must have a proven history of successful instruction and (where applicable) have undertaken Kenshusei or equivalent teacher training.
20.3 Applicants for Shidoin Status may be recommended to the Technical Director Gordon Jones Shihan by the Technical Committee.
20.4 Shidoin are required to attend all A.A. courses as well as any special teacher training that may be offered.
20.5 Shidoin may be granted the authority to award Kyu grades in their House/dojo to a level determined by the Technical Director on a case to case basis up to 2nd Kyu.
20.6 Shidoin will be required to be assessed on a regular basis to ensure improvement of their teaching and technical skills, and to demonstrate progress they have made in expanding personal and / group Aikido.
20.7 The assessment will be by way of re-testing for Shidoin.
20.8 The title of Shidoin can be removed along with any authority to grade at the discretion of the Technical Director following:
20.8a a poor test or
20.8b at any time the Technical Director feels the Shidoin has acted inappropriately.
20.10 Shidoin over the age of 50 years of age may elect to perform a 10+ minute demonstration in place of the normal test.
20.11 Application to renew Shidoin status lies directly with the Technical Director Gordon Jones Shihan with the collaboration of the President of the A.A.
20.12 Shidoin will re-test every three years.
20.13 The Technical Committee of the A.A. collectively may grade to 1st Kyu.

21. Fuku-Shidoin Policy
21.1 Fuku-Shidoin – Assistant Instructor. The title of Fuku-Shidoin can be awarded to members of the Australasian Aikikai holding the rank of Nidan or above. To be considered for Fukushidoin, an applicant must hold a current senior First Aid Certificate, have been child protection screened and hold some form of coaching accreditation such as NCAS.
21.2 Applicants for Fuku-Shidoin must have a proven history of assisting in instruction and (where applicable) have undertaken Kenshusei or Soto Deshi Teacher training.
21.3 Applicants for Fuku-Shidoin may be forwarded by recommendation by their House Principal or Shidoin to the Technical Committee.
21.4 Fuku-Shidoin are required to attend all A.A. courses as well as any special teacher training that may be offered.
21.5 Fuku-Shidoin may be granted the authority to award Kyu grades to a level determined by the Technical Committee on a case to case basis up to a maximum of 4th Kyu.
21.6 Fuku-Shidoin will be required to be assessed on a regular basis to ensure improvement of their teaching and technical skills, and to demonstrate progress they have made in expanding personal and / group Aikido.
21.7 The assessment will be by the way of re-testing for Fuku-Shidoin or Shidoin.
21.8 The title Fuku-Shidoin can be removed along with any authority to grade at the discretion of the Technical Committee following:
21.8a a poor test
21.8b at any time the Technical Committee feels the Fuku-Shidoin has acted inappropriately.
21.9 Fuku-Shidoin over 50 years of age may elect to perform a 10+ minute demonstration in place of the normal test.
21.10 Fuku-Shidoin status can be awarded by the A.A. Technical Committee after successfully passing a Fuku-Shidoin test.
21.11 The nature of the test will be determined by the A.A. Technical Committee with a goal to show the applicants aptitude to teach and his/her range of technical knowledge.

22. Funds
22.1 The funds of the association are to be derived from entrance fees and annual subscriptions of members, donations and, subject to any resolution passed by the Association in general meeting, such other sources as the Management Committee determines.
22.2 All money received by the Association must be deposited as soon as practicable and without deduction to the credit of the Association’s bank account.
22.3 The Association must, as soon as practicable after receiving any money, issue an appropriate receipt.
22.4 Subject to any resolution passed by the Association in general meeting, the funds of the Association are to be used in pursuance of the objects of the Association in such manner as the appropriate committee determines.
22.5 All cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other negotiable instruments must be signed by any two members of the Management Committee or employees of the Association, being members or employees authorised to do so by the Management Committee.

23. Insurance
23.1 The Association should insure that all Houses and member dojos effect and maintain appropriate player accident, public liability and professional indemnity insurance that covers all AA members.

24. Alterations to the Constitution
24.1 Any alteration to the A.A. Constitution will be made at an Annual General Meeting, or at an extraordinary meeting called for that purpose.

25. Dissolution of the Association
25.1 The Association shall be dissolved in the event that it becomes insolvent. Any surplus funds, property or other assets shall be disposed of to a charity nominated by the President and the House Principals.