The National Aikido Association of Australia, Aiki Kai (Australia), was formed in 1965 under the direct authorisation of the Aikido founder Ueshiba Morihei. Its originator Sugano Shihan (8th Dan) was a direct student of O-Sensei. He was the head of Aiki-Kai in Australia, and was the Australian representative to the affiliated parent organisation, World Aikido Headquarters (Hombu), based in Japan. His responsibilites continue to be carried out by the Sugano Shihan Foundation.
