The Kokusai Aikido Kenshukai Kobayashi Hirokazu Ryu (International Academy of Research on Aikido Kobayashi Hirokazu) has been established in January 1998 under guidance of Kobayashi Hirokazu Sensei, a direct pupil of Ueshiba Morihei Sensei. This represented the culmination of preparation efforts in 1996 and 1997. Kobayashi Hirokazu (1929-1998) followed the teaching of Ueshiba Morihei from the end of World War II and became his direct pupil (jikideshi) and disciple. He devoted his entire life to aikido and to Ueshiba Morihei until the death of his master in 1969 after which he remained faithful to his teachings. He conceived the KAKKHR (currently known also as KHR) some few years before his death (in Osaka on August 28th 1998). Now the aim of KHR is to further develop and define the Aikido of Kobayashi Hirokazu Sensei and to revere his message.
The KHR is a non-discriminating organization and it acts in the respect of the law. It pays great attention to avoid any sectarian, racial, or religious stance. While affirming its own identity and tradition, at the same time it does not consider itself above other Aikido schools. Rather it esteems and respects the variety of styles taught worldwide by the pupils of the founder O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba thus honoring his memory and his reverence for the plurality of styles and the freedom of all beings.


The KHR is currently headed by Cognard André Shihan (1954), since 1974 a follower of Kobayashi Hirokazu Sensei who encouraged him to found in 1982 the Académie Autonome de Aikido Kobayashi Hirokazu in France which today includes more than 100 dojo. Cognard Shihan directs Aikido and Aikishintaiso seminars worldwide and he is the author of several books on Aikido and martial arts in French language.


In April 2012 the KHR was recognized as a member of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (DNBK), the oldest officially sanctioned martial arts institution in Japan, established in the 28^th year of the Meij Era (1895) to restore and preserve the classical martial cultures of Japan. DNBK – a General Corporation sanctioned by the Japanese National Government, presided over today by His Royal Highness, Sosai, Higashifushimi Jiko, the Chief Abbot of Shorenin Temple and cousin to Emperor Akihito of Japan – continues to promote classic Japanese martial traditions and espouses peace and harmony for mankind through spirited training in Budo.