Goals and purpose
To encourage the growth and development of aikido overseas, many successful activities have been continuing these past twenty years, including:
- Dispatch of Dojocho (head of the dojo) and other instructors for teaching in foreign countries.
- Establishment of cosmopolitan dojo ties.
- Exchange of trainees with sister and affiliate dojos as well as joint demonstration and camps.
- Acceptance of live-in trainees from affiliate dojos.
Through these exchanges, we have come to understand that there are many talented people. However, while hoping to do strict Aikido training in Japan, many of them are prevented from doing so because of economic circumstances. In order to offer an opportunity for training to them, this scholarship was established in January 1992.
This scholarship program is intended not only to let them experience training in Japan, but also to give them an opportunity to understand Japanese lifestyle and culture, develop aikido overseas as future instructors.
Financial resources
- Voluntary contribution from dojo members.
- Assistance from friends and supporters of Aikido Kobayashi Dojo.
Eligibility
- An applicant should, in principle, hold at least the rank of first degree black belt (shodan), and he/she must be recommended by the head or the shihan of an organization which is affiliated to Aikido Kobayashi Dojo.
- The person recommended should, in principle, be able to stay at least 1 to 3 monthes. Priority will be given to people who can stay for a longer period of time (permission for a stay of one month may also be granted).
- The person recommended should be, in principle, able to afford the airfare and residence fees in whole or in part.
Content of assistance
To give an opportunity for one or more trainees from sister and affiliate dojos overseas, financial assistance is granted to them. The total amount of the grant depends on the decision of Dojocho in consultation with the person in charge of the trainee’s countrys aikido association and his/her instructors.
- Lodging expenses incurred enroute to Aikido Kobayashi Dojo.
- Round trip airfare between their origin and Japan.
- Live-in training expenses (training fee of 10, 000 yen/month and accommodation fee of 30,000 yen/month). Fee for Internet use is included. Meals not included. Total 40,000 yen/month.
- Expenses for the dispatch of Dojocho, shihans, and other instructors for long and short periods of instructing overseas.