1. Introduction

It seems indisputable that the
development of the IAF occurred in successive stages (what an obvious
statement). It’s early days are probably obscure to the current practitioners
of Aikido, for the world of Aikido has changed so much that it’s almost
impossible to imagine what it was like. Only those with long experience of
Aikido will have a recollection of that period. In fact, this founding of the
IAF would have to be considered rooted in the time when Aikido was introduced
outside of Japan, followed by the early formation of the IAF. However, not only
has the context gone, but the information itself and the recollection of people
who were active in this period is disappearing quickly. The former IAF chairman,
Peter Goldsbury, is one of the few people remaining who can shed some light on
those early years.

In the period that followed this first stage, the IAF was flung into the
community of international sport organizations. Understanding why this
happened, what actually transpired, and how the Aikido community responded to
it, can be seen as the second stage in the functioning of the IAF.
Understanding how the Aikido-world functioned then is not just historically
interesting, but it holds relevant information for how the IAF functions now.

We can easily argue that the IAF has now entered the third stage in its
development. This holds promise for positive developments in the future, but
there is reason for concern as well.

My personal history in the IAF is firmly rooted in the second stage of
the development of the IAF. In 2016, I realized very well that the IAF at this
time was on the threshold of change, and I would have enjoyed to be part of this
change, as I had been instrumental in some of the developments leading up to it.
But my experience is mainly relevant because I was there during this second
stage. Otherwise, this was a stage in which the IAF initially was in the
background and few people were there all through the process. Over time this
changed, particularly because of the participation of the IAF in the World
Games and the Sport Accord Combat Games.

The trigger for writing these articles (I will publish 3 or 4) was an
essay Peter Goldsbury is working on. He allowed me to read a draft, and I
realized that I am just as much a keeper of such personal history as he is. His
essay, which every Aikido official should read, is highly informative about
what happened, who were involved, and which issues became apparent because of
the process.

My articles can be read with or without that knowledge. But a whole range
of my assumptions about the situation in the mid-eighties are based on his
recollection of that history. Reading his essay, I realized that – details
aside – I am fully informed of his summary of this history, and I support his
conclusions to a great extent.

But if you make the effort to continue reading, all that this implies
will become clear.

Have fun reading.