To the International Aikido Community:

I have made the very difficult decision that the ASU organization cannot accept memberbships
from dojo outside of the United States and Canada.  I'm writing this letter so that students 
will understand my reasons.

The most important reason for my decision is to encourage each group to foster and support 
the growth of Aikido within their own community and to be able to have an active and 
meaningful voice in that growth.  Many fine Aikido teachers associated with the Aikikai in 
Tokyo have struggled to spread O Sensei's teachings throughout the world.  Their hard work 
and dedication must be supported.

I never intended for ASU to be an international organization.  That is the job of the Aikikai 
through their representatives in each country and each community.  The student/teacher 
relationship is most important and can only be realized through personal contact and 
commitment.

Organizations have many very important functions, but an organization is not a teacher.  A 
student does not need to belong to ASU to receive my training or to be valued by me 
as a student.  All of my dojos and all ASU camps and seminars are open to every student who 
wishes to train.  I have a wonderful extended family of students all over the world and my 
only request is that they help with the growth of Aikido in their own community.  World 
harmony is O Sensei's most important message but there can be no harmony when different 
organizations are struggling for control.

This is my final decision.  Thank you for listening to my words and I deeply hope that you 
understand.  I send to all of you my respect and best wishes.  I hope to train with you in the 
near future.  I will always welcome you and my ASU students will always welcome you.


                                                                    Sincerely,



                                                                    Mitsugi Saotome
                                                                    Shihan