Mr. Wilko Vriesman (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Wilko Vriesman is a distinguished Aikido Shihan and movement scientist from the Netherlands, renowned for his pivotal contributions to the development of Aikido on both national and international stages. He is the founder of the European Aikido Federation—a strategic partner of the European Union—and the Aikido Bond Netherlands, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing the art of Aikido across Europe and beyond. From 2012 to September 2024, Wilko served in key leadership roles within the International Aikido Federation, including Technical Delegate, Directing Committee Member, General Secretary, and Chairman. His tenure was marked by a focus on fostering unity and innovation within the different regions of the global Aikido community. Driven by a profound belief in Aikido as a tool for human betterment, Wilko is dedicated to projects that utilize the principles of Aikido to serve humanity and promote harmonious development worldwide.

Mr. Kei Izawa (Japan/U.S.A.)
Kei Izawa is a global leader whose career spans corporate leadership, martial arts, and cultural exchange. A former senior executive at GM, he drove major joint ventures like NUMMI (with Toyota) and led Opel Japan before becoming Regional Sales Director in Europe. Earlier, he spent 10 years in Japan’s international trade sector and now consults globally from Boulder, Colorado. A 7th-degree Aikido black belt, Izawa has practiced for over 55 years, teaching worldwide and leading the International Aikido Federation (IAF) as Secretary General, Chairman, and Vice-Chairman. A Keio University and Harvard alumnus fluent in three languages, he authored "Balance in Motion" (2024) and co-translated "Life in Aikido" (2008). His life exemplifies harmony in leadership and passion.