Aikido America International Organization

President
Yoji Kondo

Dr. Kondo holds a Ph. D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania. Formerly, head of the astrophysics laboratory at NASA Johnson Space Center during the Apollo and Sky lab missions and more recently director of the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite observatory at Goddard Space Flight Center for 15 years, he is professor at the Catholic University of America and George Mason University, author of over 200 scientific papers, editor of 13 scientific volumes, past President of International Astronomical Union's Commission on Astronomy from Space and Division on Variable Stars, recipient of the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement, Isaac Asimov Memorial Award and the National Space Club Science Award, author/coauthor, under a pseudonym, of seven science fiction novels and editor of one science fiction anthology. He holds a seventh degree black belt (or nanadan) in aikido (Nihon Aikido Kyokai), a sixth degree black belt (or rokudan) in judo, and is currently head of Aikido America International/N.A.K. and instructor at the Columbia Aikido and Judo Club. Recently, an asteroid was named "Yojikondo" in his honor.

More information about Dr. Kondo is available at his SFWA web site.