Western Aikido Association Recognized By Aikikai Hombu Dojo

The Western Aikido Association is pleased to announce it has been formally recognized by the Aikikai Hombu dojo as an affiliated organization.

The Western Aikido Association was started in 2011 by Robert Frager Sensei, 7th dan. Frager Sensei began training in Aikido in 1964. He practiced with Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, including serving as an otomo and uke. He also trained extensively with Morihiro Saito Sensei, 9th dan, and Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei, 10th dan. For five years, Frager Sensei worked closely with Hiroshi Kato Sensei, 8th dan, all senior students of O Sensei.

In addition, Frager Sensei holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University and founded Sofia University-Palo Alto, California in 1975. It is a fully accredited university that trains transpersonal psychologists. The curriculum includes Aikido practice. It is also the headquarters for both the Hiroshi Kato Aikido Archives (containing over 5,000 photos of Morihei Ueshiba and other information on Aikido history) and the Western Aikido Association.

The WAA holds two association training sessions per year, each spring and fall. A recent training, in March 2013, included instruction by John Stevens Sensei, 7th dan and Frager Sensei. The next training is March 22nd and 23rd, 2014 at Sofia University.

Recent promotions include SueAnn McKean and Bob Corman both 6th dan, Bill Misson, 5th dan and Charles Stapp, 4th dan. Last year WAA members Bob Noha and Steve Gengo were promoted to 6th dan and Scott Berg was promoted to 5th dan. The association welcomes dojos who are interested in membership. One of the goals of the Western Aikido Association is to support dojos who are no longer affiliated with Hombu Dojo. Contact Eddie Frager Sensei, Bridgetown Aikido, (530) 954-3245 for more information or go to the association WEB site: westernaikidoassociation.com.