ABOUT US...

Briefly story about Iraqi aikido...

The practice of Aikido in Baghdad was initiated in 1990 when a group of enthusiastic young men with a common passion for martial arts united. It was during a period of economic deterioration and political instability that this group of young men were determined toestablish a practice of peace in a time of war, enduring every challenge imaginable, this group persevered tough times and endured criticisms from family and close friends.

A radical change took place when a young Aikidoka returned from Europe with big dreamsand hopes for Aikido in Iraq and because of the situation, Aikido training started simple. During the war, an Aiki group started training in back yards, which was during allied bombardment of Iraq, at a time when others sought refuge in shelters. 

After the first gulf war ended, the first Aiki group started growing and more people became attracted to Aikido, especially that Aikido was a distinguished form of martial arts, unusual to Iraqis because of its non-competitive manner, hence, an Aikidoka was presented as an elegant warrior, one who seeks perfection in his life, with not only physical strength, but a well matured character, discipline, balance with positive influence to society. 



Initially, Aikido training was conducted unofficially in various locations and sports clubs until official recognition was made and a permit was therefore granted to practice Aikido. The first official training was held at the physical education college, University of Baghdad.

In 1993, the Iraqi Karate Federation offered its support to the growing martial art and established one of the first Dojos. Therefore, marking the period between 1992 and 1994 a golden era in the history of Aikido in Iraq, in which the solid foundations of Aikido today where laid.

After Atif re-located to Amman, Jordan, upon the arrival of Humbo instructor, the rest of the founding group took responsibility of the trainings in Iraq. In the years to follow, the economic situation went from bad to worse, yet Iraqi youth practicing Aikido made extra efforts to promote the sports, they conducted live demonstrations and excelled in their performance, thus, leading to more growth in the form of Dojos and Aikidokas. 

With the rapid growth and acceptance Aikido had witnessed, there was a pressing desire amongst Iraqi Aikidokas to communicate with the outside world, at a time when it seemed almost impossible, due to the economic sanctions and political disconnection from the rest of the world, that communication was only possible through Jordan, as it was the only window for young Iraqi Aikidokas to see the light of the Aikido world. 

A day had come when an honorable man from Italy accepted the invitation to meet the Iraqis in Jordan. The late Giorgio Veneri arrived in Amman, Jordan, and it was the first time Iraqi Aikidokas meet a renowned international instructor through a series of lectures and seminars and he had a profound impact on Iraqi Aikido.  His words, presence, teachings will always be with us. Veneri Sensei passed away in 2005, may God rest his dear soul. 

A brief history Of IAO in points.

• 1990: Atif Amin Sensei started to teach Aikido in Baghdad. He learned Aikido in Yugoslavia under Velibor Vesovic Sensei.

• 1994: Atif Amin Sensei left Iraq after he established a solid practice and a student base in Baghdad. He now lives in Dubai.

• 1998: The Opening of Maysan Dojo in Al Amarah city south of Iraq, by Zahir A. Hamad.

• 1999: The founding of Samurai Center in Baghdad, by (Muhannad / Wissam / Zahir).

• 2000: For the first time, the Iraqi team participated in Aikido seminar outside of Iraq. That seminar was in Amman-Jordan with Giorgio Veneri Sensei.

• 2005: Founding of the Iraqi Aikido Organization (I.A.O.), by Wissam J. Faraj.