We at Aikido Multnomah Aikikai unequivocally condemn racism.

Since the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, the national dialogue regarding racism and violence has intensified to such a degree that to stand silent now, risks sending an unintended hurtful message, out of alignment with our values as an aikido dojo.[1] Aikido is the art of peace. The founder of Aikido said “It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.”[2]

We at Aikido Multnomah Aikikai unequivocally condemn racism and brutality. We acknowledge, and empathize with, the exhaustion of enduring systemic racism and maneuvering around the implicit biases that drive people in everyday interactions. 

At our dojo we welcome people of all backgrounds to embark upon the path of transformation that aikido practice offers. We strive to be an inclusive community of practice and welcome people of any race, color, age, culture, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. We acknowledge this takes continual practice due to implicit and unconscious biases, systemic racism, perpetuated white privilege, ubiquitous discrimination, and personal blind spots in everyday interactions. We commit to continuous learning, to grow into the community we wish to be.[3]
  
We understand that words are not enough - however to stand silent now, serves to embolden the oppressors of our families, friends, and all peoples of color. Today, we publish this statement to stand in consideration of intersectionality[4] and how it impacts us every day. We vow to redouble our commitment to continuous learning - to listen first, and then redefine the work before us. 

Education is transformative. As martial art practitioners, part of our ongoing practice is to “become aware of what we are unaware of.” Aikido practice provides the opportunity to lean in to uncomfortable encounters, cultivate curiosity, listen for nuance, wake up to one’s unconscious biases, illuminate our blind spots and open ourselves to be transformed by the experience. It’s time to apply our practice at a deeper level.  

A shift in priorities is required to allocate time to do one’s homework and educate oneself more fully. I invite you to join me in the practice of continuous learning and illuminating what you’re unaware of. Here are a few starting points[5]:

• “What is systemic racisim?” Raceforward offers a series of brief videos to better understand systemic racism.

• Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources: The goal of this document is to facilitate growth to become allies for anti-racist work.

• Implicit bias: Take a quiz to learn more about your own implicit biases

• Educate, support, advocate: Things you can do.

Sincerely,
Suzane Van Amburgh
Chief Instructor, Aikido Multnomah Aikikai

1 “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” - Desmond Tutu
2 Morihei Ueshiba. O Sensei, Founder of Aikido: “It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.”

3 statement on our website “about our dojo”: http://www.multnomahaikikai.com/about-us
4 Learn about Intersectionality: 
• https://youtu.be/ViDtnfQ9FHc

• https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/20/18542843/intersectionality-conservatism-law-race-gender-discrimination
.

5 Gratitude for distributing these educational resources goes to: The Diversity Committee of Brooklyn Aikikai and Rhodes Perry Consulting . Thank you for your ongoing work.