Links
Bulgarian Aikido Federation
Bulgarian Aikido Federation (BAF) is an association with non-commercial purpose to the benefit of the public. It is comprised of people who practice and sympathize for the Japanese martial art of Aikido. BAF has been registered in 1990 by Georgi Ivanov Sensei and it is a direct representative of Aikikai Hombu Dojo and the International Aikido Federation. Since April 2004, BAF has been licensed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and up to now it is the only official organization for Aikido in the Republic of Bulgaria. The process of training is led by qualified instructors, who have obtained their degrees in front of Aikikai Hombu Dojo instructors. Stable methods and a program consistent with Aikikai are being used in the process of training students, which allows for the achievement of some very good results on national and international level. The purpose of BAF is the development and the spread of Aikido at local, regional, national and international level and of establishing and organizing Aikido schools.
Martial Arts Club “Imeon”
Martial Arts Club “Imeon” was founded in the beginning of the year 2000. The club is a legal member of the Bulgarian Aikido Federation and has dojos in Sofia, Kazanlak and Stara Zagora. The training process is managed by qualified instructors, who have received their masters’ degree from Japanese masters – Shihan.In 2002 Martial Arts Club “Imeon” became a legal member of sports club “Levski”.
Aikikai Foundation
Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba, an expert who reached the highest level of mastery in the classical Japanese Martial Arts. Officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, the Aikikai Foundation is the parent organization for the development and popularization of Aikido throughout the world.
Ibaraki Shibu Dojo
The Ibaraki Branch Dojo and Aiki Shrine are situated in the Yoshioka district of the town of Iwama, east of the Joban Line Iwama Station. During the 1940’s the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, undertook intense training here, establishing the Aiki Shrine, and perfecting Aikido. Aikido developed from old Japanese Martial Arts as a method for training body and mind. The Founder described it as “a martial way of harmony.” Today Aikido has spread to 130 countries around the world and Iwama is a consecrated place to the Aikido community. O-Sensei’s move to Iwama was prompted by his long held belief that “the true martial path is like unto agriculture, both originate in the life giving power of Takemusu Aiki.”