Mission
What is "Independent Aikido Alliance" and what does it mean?
The very name of our organization seems to be oxymoronic. After all, how can you be truly independent if you are allied with others? To answer that question we must look deeper into the philosophy of IAA and the principles upon which it was founded.
Gary Boaz Sensei has been part of the martial arts world since 1991 and has been involved in many organizations in that time. Time and again he came face to face with the very things these organizations stated they were against: inflated egos, politics, greed, and a lack of humility and respect for others. Moreover, it always seemed that somewhere along the line, money became a major part of everything and the desire for learning, growing and advancing stagnated. Finally in March of 2008 he reached a limit and removed himself from the “organized” world of aikido. Over the next several months he felt impelled to form an “un-organization” for aikidoka. He knew from experience that there were other budoka training out there that were fed up too but still loved the martial arts and wanted to continue learning, training and developing themselves. These other warriors still had a desire to be a part of a larger community but were frustrated with the current systems. From this knowledge the Independent Aikido Alliance was formed. It’s mission was simple: To create a community or family where serious budoka could go for support, camaraderie, fellowship, accountability and at the same time they could further their own path in the martial arts. Boaz Sensei wanted a group that focused on teaching others the Art of Peace and to help others develop positive relationships in their lives. To build a professional yet compassionate network of aikido instructors that have the sincere desire to improve the lives of their students. The focus should never be “I want to get a higher rank or more stripes on my belt” or “what’s in this for me?” but rather, “what can I do to help my students grow?” With this attitude we cannot help but grow as humans being.
Another area of major concern was the lack of integrity in the way aikido was taught and trained. Gary wanted to continue to improve not only his own aikido but the art of his students as well. To him, aikido is a martial art and should be trained as such. Techniques should be applicable to modern times and situations. The principles taught that made aikido effective a century ago should still be able to make modern self-defense a reality. We are never to "play" aikido in the dojo but to train sincerely. The IAA strives to continually "hone our blade" against the real world we live in today. New training methods, new variations of old techniques, new adaptations, we continue to bring traditional aikido to modern light.
The word “independent” in our name does not indicate that we are separate from others. In fact, our network is built on the relationships we cultivate with others. Instead, “independent” is a reminder to us that in the end, we are all on our own path. No one can tell you how to live your life. This is the path we walk on our own. Our aikido is the same. In the beginning, your aikido will be the aikido of your sensei. You will mimic his movements, his philosophies, his ideals. Eventually you will step out of his shadow and begin to form your own version of aikido. This is the ultimate goal of Boaz Sensei: to have each person develop their own aikido to spread and share with others. Aikido is a martial art, true. But it is also a tool to unite others and free others of strife and conflict in a world full of it. As lofty as this sounds, it is very real. Our way is the way of harmony, the way of peace. Never forget that peace comes at a price. In order to maintain peace and harmony we must be responsible for ourselves and also to look out for our fellow humans being. To this we must follow budo which is the way of war. While this sounds simple, it is not. Budo means more than just “war”. It is translated as the way to maintain peace through skill of war. In other words, we must be strong and responsible to maintain peace against those who do otherwise. Yes, there are “bad guys” in the real world. Just read the newspaper and you will see. The role of the aikidoka is to do our part in protecting others from the “bad guys” by learning to be humble, compassionate, and responsible. You see, not everyone has the desire or the ability to be a shepherd. Some will always be sheep. It is our job as warriors to be that shepherd and watch out for the sheep. Is this a lot of responsibility? Yes it is. Always keep this in mind when you step on the mat. What we do is not merely a recreational sport or activity. It is a way of life.
About the Founder
Gary Boaz is the Founder and Chief Instructor of Independent Aikido Alliance and has developed Kyusho Aikido™. He has been a student of the martial arts since May of 1990 when he started his path in Aikido under Marc Tolbert Sensei at the Kansas State University Aikido Club in Manhattan, Kansas. Tolbert Sensei was directly under Shihan Bill Sosa. Sosa Sensei held the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokkudan) in Seidokan Aikido under Roderick Kobayashi Sensei before going on to form his own organization, the International Aikido Association. In January of 2000, Boaz Sensei resigned from the International Aikido Association and joined forces with Fred Mastison Sensei of Aikido of Phoenix, an independent school in Phoenix, Arizona. Boaz originally met Mastison while they were students together under Marc Tolbert Sensei. Under the tutelage of Mastison, Boaz Sensei attained the rank of yondan, or 4th Degree Black Belt. In late 2008, Boaz separated from Aikido of Phoenix to go out on his own and is now founder of the Independent Aikido Alliance; an organization designed to bring together individuals who are serious about their training in the art of aikido and would rather spend their time on the mat than worry about politics.
In the spring of 1994, Mr. Boaz was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with friend and mentor, Tim Kuth Sensei in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. After an eye-opening experience where he realized that once on the ground he had very little idea of how to defend himself, he began studying this amazing art of self-defense on the ground and continues to study today. He mixes sport-style submission with the practicality of pressure point striking along with the philosophy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to bring a well-rounded groundfighting system to his students. His influences in this area are many; Rickson Gracie, Royce Gracie, the Gracie Barra team, the Machados, Pedro Sauer, American Jiu-Jitsu and others.
May of 1999 brought about a major turning point for Gary. He was introduced to Kyusho-Jitsu (pressure point fighting), by 9th Degree Black Belt Master Jim Corn. Master Corn began teaching Mr. Boaz how to incorporate kyusho into his martial arts and self-defense classes. Corn introduced Boaz to Shihan Evan Pantazi, founder of Kyusho International™. He went on to become a senior level member of KI and is an internationally certified 4th Level Instructor for Kyusho International™.
Other arts studied, although informally, include Indonesian Silat, Ryukyu Kempo Karate, Shorin-Ryu Karate, Modern Arnis, and various forms of Defensive Tactics.
Mr. Boaz now teaches very practical forms of self-defense through the martial arts experience that he has gained over the years. In addition to his traditional martial arts training, he also received certification as a Master Level Defensive Tactics Instructor for Force Options of Phoenix, AZ and is a graduate of the Front Site Firearms Training Facility. He has worked with law enforcement, military, corrections and various other agencies around the country.
The history of Aikido
Aikido was created by a Japanese master of Budo named Morehei Ueshiba. Ueshiba is most commonly referred to as O’Sensei which means Great Teacher. O’Sensei was born on December 14, 1883 in Tanabe prefecture, Japan. As a child, he was rather sickly and prone to illness. During these younger years he was much more inclined towards the academic and spiritual pursuits than the physical ones. Even at a young age he demonstrated great aptitude for things mathematical and spiritual. At around age seven he began studying Shingon Buddhism and then later Zen Buddhism. This was very important as it helped build a solid spiritual foundation that would become a cornerstone for his path later on. Because of his frail nature and tendency towards academics, his father encouraged young Morehei to engage in more physical activities such as sumo and swimming.
Around the age of 12, O’Sensei’s father was roughed up by some local hoodlums. Intent on avenging his father’s beating, he vowed to strengthen his body and began a pursuit of physical power and martial prowess. It was at this point that he began to lead a life committed to the deepest understanding of budo. O’Sensei studied many arts during his life time and was considered to be a master of many of them. His studies included Kenjutsu (particularly the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu of swordsmanship), jodo, sumo, as well as Aioi-ryu Jujitsu and Hozoin-ryu spear and bayonet arts. Each of the arts he studied influenced his beliefs and eventually helped him to form the art of Aikido.
Two arts in particular seemed to have been the most influential in the development of his philosophies. Swordsmanship and Jujitsu are seen very easily in O’Sensei’s Aikido. The development of Aikido, however, was truly set on its way with O’Sensei’s introduction to two people. In 1912 he met a Daito-ryu Jujitsu master named Sokaku Takeda. Daito-ryu was a particularly fierce and unforgiving form of Jujitsu. This would be a major event in his life as it was the point where the powerful techniques of Aikido were planted. Takeda Sensei was a notoriously tough and powerful individual whose reputation as a devastating fighter was known throughout the martial arts world. O’Sensei studied with Takeda for many years, serving as his Master’s personal deshi, or disciple, and eventually gained his master teaching certificate. His studies ended in 1919 when he received word of his father’s imminent death. It was during his travels home that he met the second person that would be a major influence on the formation of Aikido.
During his journey homeward he came across Onasiburo Deguchi, master of the Omoto-kyo (“Teaching of the Great Origin”) Shinto religion. This sect was known for its meditation techniques designed to unify one’s spirit with the Divine. This meeting would change O’Sensei forever. Deguchi taught world peace and harmony as well as the idea that the truth of budo was to protect and prevent conflict. O’Sensei would stay with Deguchi for the next ten years while he continued his martial arts training and spiritual growth. During this time O’Sensei experienced enlightenments that would profoundly affect the face of what would be known as Aikido. Up to this point, the martial arts were very harsh and designed to inflict severe damage to “the opponent”, often leaving crippling injuries on its practitioners. O’Sensei saw this as self-defeating, even to the “winner” and recognized a need for change in an evolving cultural climate. Rather than viewing uke and nage (attacker and defender) as separate and conflicting entities, he viewed them as a whole, for without one there was no need for the other.
Thus O’Sensei recognized the need for the physical waza (technique) to evolve in such a way that it intertwined his spiritual philosophies and yet remained a practical and effective system
of martial arts. In 1925, a naval officer visited O’Sensei’s dojo and challenged him to a duel with a bokken (wooden sword). Rather than fight the challenger, O’Sensei met the officer’s strikes by merely moving out of the way of his increasingly frantic strikes until the officer lay down, exhausted, defeated by his own aggression. O’Sensei was able to emerge victorious without ever having landed a blow or injuring his opponent. Afterwards, O’Sensei walked out into his garden and, in his own words, experienced a “golden light” descending on him from heaven, accompanied by complete clarity of thought and a unification of mind, body and spirit. It was then that he realized that
“The true purpose of budo is the loving protection of all things.” This is the philosophy that lies at the heart of all aikido. Two years after that, Deguchi encouraged O’Sensei to separate from the Omote-kyo and begin his own “Way”. Deguchi felt that O’Sensei had come as far as he could there and that he had a special gift to give to the world. The gift could only be developed through the establishment of his own style. O’Sensei agreed and moved to Tokyo. Over the years it took Aikido to be formed, it had many names. Ueshiba-ryu Aikibudo was the most common name used until O’Sensei decided to settle on the name Aikido in 1942. Aikido is composed of three characters: Ai (Harmony), Ki (Energy), and Do (Way). Together they create “The Way of Harmony with Energy.” Aikido soon became an established and respected art sought out by the highest levels of Japanese society.
Around this time in 1942 O’Sensei decided to deepen his studies of budo which led to his leaving the Hombu Dojo to be run by his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba. O’Sensei returned to Iwama which is where the Aikido we see today took most of its form. Aikido became softer, and focused much more on the blending principles O’Sensei emphasized from his religious background. During the years of 1942-1952 it is believed that O’Sensei consolidated techniques and perfected the philosophical aspects of today’s Aikido. Aikido grew and eventually came to the United States. O’Sensei believed that Aikido could be the tool to bring peace into the world. Unfortunately O’Sensei never saw his dream realized. The martial arts world lost one of its most powerful and influential masters on April 26, 1969 when O’Sensei Morehei Ueshiba passed away at the age of 86. Following in his footsteps was his son, now called Doshu. Doshu carried on O’Sensei’s dream and strove to strengthen the bond among Aikidoka. His efforts produced fruits beyond expectation. As with his father, Doshu passed away before the true dream of Aikido could be realized. He has left his son, Morihito Ueshiba, as the new Doshu who carries with him the hopes and dreams of a million Aikidoka.
Dojo Locations
Shugyo Dojo
Chief Instructor: Gary Boaz SenseiSempai: Mallory Senne Sensei
Assistant Instructor: Brian Gillaspie Sensei
A short definition of Shugyo is "Enlightenment through intense training." Shugyo seeks to gain an understanding or realization of self, others and the world. Shugyo dojo uses both martial practice and spiritual forging to develop better "humans being
1900 SW Clay St
Topeka, KS 66604
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Ishizue Dojo
Chief Instructor: Jason Graham Sensei"Ishizue" translated literally means: "foundation stone"
21043 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
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Choukoku Dojo
Chief Instructor: Jerry Bolack Sensei"Choukoku" translated literally means: "conquering; surmounting; getting over"
Jacked Martial Arts
224 N Greenway
Derby, KS 67037
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Chief Instructor: Dennis Bliss Sensei
Jacked Martial Arts
224 N Greenway
Derby, KS 67037
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International Bookings
Sensei Gary Boaz is available for seminars around the globe. Please contact Sensei Gary Boaz or Jerry Bolack for more information.Programs
We offer classes in the following traditional disciplines:
Aikido
Kyusho-Jitsu
Kyusho-Aikido
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In addition, we have the following “specialty” classes:
Women’s Self-Defense
Home Protection for Families
Kid Safe
Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement, Military, Corrections and Security Agencies
Air Travelers Tactics for Self-Defense
Family Tactics
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