On April 27 in Rabat, an exceptional ceremony for Aikido in Morocco: six experts reach level 6th in International and a master obtained the prestigious title of master of masters by the Aikikai Foundation of Tokyo
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat
A historic moment promises to be martial arts in Morocco. Next April 27 in Rabat, the Aikikai Morocco foundation of Aikido, member of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Aikido, Kendo, Iaido and Jodo (FRMAKIJ), representing the International Aikikai section of the Federation, is preparing to celebrate an unprecedented event: the promotion of five Moroccan experts with a prestigious grade of 6th Dan Aïkikai International. They will join a pioneer already promoted in 2024, thus forming the very first group of six high ranks of this level in the history of the country – an unprecedented and meaningful feat.
But that’s not all. The ceremony will also honor a historical consecration: the technical director of the Aikikai Maroc Foundation will be awarded the title of “Shihan” (master of masters) by the Aikikai Foundation of Tokyo – an absolute first for Morocco and the region of the Middle East and North Africa. This very rare title, attributed by the Aikikai Foundation of Tokyo The supreme authority of Aikido, symbolizes the recognition of a technical, educational and exceptional level. This exceptional ceremony will be held under the aegis of the Japanese Embassy in Rabat, and will mark a turning point in the influence of Moroccan Aikido internationally.
A remarkable decade of development
Founded in 2014, the Aikikai Maroc Foundation has achieved in just ten years what many sports institutions take several decades to accomplish. Thanks to a rigorous strategy, a long-term vision and participatory governance, it has established itself as a development model for martial arts in Morocco, Africa and beyond. Since its creation, the Foundation has displayed a remarkable training in terms of training: more than 500 international black belts, 38 instructors certified at international level, 16 5th DAN experts and soon 6 International 6th Dan Experts and a certified master of masters ‘Shihan’.
Firmly established international recognition
Since 2015, the Foundation has benefited from the official recognition of Aikikai Foundation Tokyo, the supreme authority of Aikido in Japan. Since 2016, it officially represents Morocco within the Aikido International Federation (IAF), an active role in sports, cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue. The recent consecration of the technical director of the Foundation as “Shihan” by Aikikai Foundation Tokyo – an unprecedented event in Morocco as at regional level – comes to strengthen the technical and moral legitimacy of the Foundation. This is a major milestone that illustrates the confidence granted by the Japanese institution to the commitment, the rigor and the quality of the education provided within the Foundation.
“This ceremony represents the culmination of a long relevant, rigorous and visionary work,” said a spokesperson for the Foundation. “Our mission is to promote an aikido rooted in the values of peace, discipline and human development. »A model of governance, transmission and transformation
What distinguishes particularly the Aikikai Maroc Foundation is its structured, inclusive and coherent approach, both in terms of training and governance. By emphasizing the training of instructors according to the international standards of the Aikikai Foundation Tokyo, and by relying on a model of participatory governance, the Foundation was able to build a community of excellence united by strong human values.
This model works with rigor and transparency thanks to the constant application of an ethics charter, which guides decision -making, human relations and collective commitment. It is this loyalty to clear principles that today makes the foundation a case of school and a source of inspiration far beyond the borders of Morocco.
An inspiration for future generations
The ceremony of April 27, 2025 promises to be a highlight for all lovers of martial arts and Japanese culture. Much more than a sporting event, it will embody a philosophy, that of surpassing oneself, excellence, inner peace and collective commitment. It symbolizes not only the recognition of an exceptional journey, but also the affirmation of a strong vision for the future of Aikido, at the service of intercultural dialogue and human development in Morocco.
Finally, she recalls that even modest structures can have a considerable impact, when they are guided by passion, ethics and perseverance.
