The Aikido Federation of South Africa

The Aikido Federation of South Africa is the Aikido Authority in South Africa and was established in 1977. Today it has 17 affiliated clubs in South Africa, each consisting of one or more dojos.

The Aikido Federation of South Africa enjoys full recognition from the Aikikai Foundation in Japan (Aikido World Headquarters). AFSA is proud to be an affiliated member of the International Aikido Federation (IAF). It is closely associated with the Aikikai of Italy and other international bodies.

The Technical Director is Franco Martufi Sensei (5th Dan, Aikikai) from the Aikikai d'Italia.

Kenneth Cottier Sensei (7th Dan, Aikikai) from England and Technical Director of Hong Kong Aikikai is the Honorary President of AFSA.

Paul de Beer Sensei (4^th Dan, Aikikai) is the AFSA Jokyushidoin (Chief Instructor).

Thanks to its wide international connections AFSA stands very much in the mainstream of Aikido development, and by virtue of its close ties with the fountain-head of Aikido, the Hombu Dojo, it maintains a wholly orthodox direction in its teaching and development.

The teaching of the Founder of Aikido excludes any form of competition in Aikido and emphasises the principles of non-aggression and harmony. AFSA strongly maintains this attitude. Every effort is made to instill into our members the principle of non-violence and concern for others both on and off the tatami.