We are delighted to present the Professor Schrader Scholarship, providing a unique opportunity for a parent and child to strengthen their bond through a weekend of Aikido practice.

The commonality of continual training on the mat, can be a vital foundation for nurturing and strengthening the parent-child relationship throughout the years. This scholarship pays tribute to the enduring memory and spirit of Professor Daryl Schrader.

About Professor Daryl Schrader:

Professor Daryl Schrader was a dedicated Aikido practitioner, teacher, father, and husband. He began on his Aikido journey in 1967, taking his inaugural class during a Koichi Tohei sensei seminar. In 1975, when Saotome Sensei arrived in the US, Daryl was among the first students to seek his instruction. 

For decades, he was a steadfast presence in the Tampa Bay Aikido community, dedicating his time to training and teaching at the Sarasota Aikikai. Meanwhile, he remained a constant figure on the mat throughout the establishment of Aikido Chuseikan of Tampa Bay and Jionjuku. 

Daryl was honored with the Ueshiba Juku designation from Saotome Sensei. His commitment and contributions were acknowledged when he was recommended for the rank of rokudan (6th dan) in 2022 through Aikido Schools of Ueshiba. 

Daryl had a genuine passion for Aikido and commitment to personal growth and development. Training four days a week well into his 50s and 60s and never declining an opportunity to roll or break fall. Daryl continually challenged himself - including returning to the mat a mere three weeks after brain surgery!

Yet, it wasn't just his devotion to the art itself; Daryl's true brilliance showed in his love for the people he trained with. His unwavering support, infectious joy, and encouraging spirit made him a beacon of positivity within the Aikido community. While he cherished the art, it was the bonds he formed on the mat that held the most significance. When it was time to introduce his daughter to the world of martial arts, the sense of community and camaraderie within Aikido became the deciding factor in choosing this path.

Daryl held various ranks in multiple martial arts and had many nicknames bestowed upon him by friends - "The Rock", "The Wizard", "The Professor". While he was a proud scholar both on and off the mat, the title he cherished the most was simply "Christy's Dad". The joy of training alongside his daughter over the years, witnessing her Aikido journey, and offering his unwavering support — this was the role he held dearest.

In honoring Professor Daryl Schrader's legacy, we are reminded not only of a skilled Aikido practitioner but a person whose profound impact reached beyond the techniques of the art. May his spirit continue to inspire us to not only excel on the mat but to uplift and support those around us, creating a legacy of unity and encouragement. 

Daryl crossed beyond the cosmic curtain in Sept 2022 leaving behind his dedicated wife, Jayne Schrader, daughter, Christine Lee, son-in-law, Jae Sang Lee, and granddaughter, Arya.

Scholarship Details

Deadline: All applications must be submitted by February 10th, 2024.

Receipts will be announced on February 17th, 2024.

Purpose: The Professor Schrader Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Professor Daryl Schrader, an active Aikido practitioner, teacher, and mentor. It aims to provide an opportunity for parents and their children to deepen their bond through the practice of Aikido. Through the promotion of the scholarship we hope to highlight youth in Aikido and the special bonds created on the mat when families that train together.

Scholarship Management: The scholarship program is managed by Professor Schrader's daughter, Christine Lee, who had the privilege of practicing Aikido alongside her father as she grew up. With her understanding of how Aikido can foster strong family connections on and off the mat, she is committed to carrying forward her father's legacy through this scholarship.

Eligibility: The scholarship is open to all parents and their children who are actively participating in Aikido, regardless of their previous experience or skill level. Both beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome to apply. There are no age restrictions, as there are no age restrictions on the parent-child relationship. Financial need is not a factor in this scholarship. This scholarship has no organizational affiliation and practitioners from any Aikido dojo are encouraged to apply. U.S. Residents only.

Scholarship Coverage: The Professor Schrader Scholarship for 2024 covers the cost of 2 airplane tickets (if applicable & within the continental US), 1 hotel room (double beds) for 2 nights and 2 seminar registration fees. Meals and additional transportation cost will be the responsibly of the recipients. Best effort will be made to arrange airport pickup and drop off when arriving and departing Tampa airport.

Seminar Details: For 2024, the awarded parent and child will have the opportunity to attend a seminar with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan in Tampa, FL April 26th-28th, 2024. More info here.

Application Process: To apply for the Professor Schrader Scholarship, interested individuals must complete an online application form, linked below. The application requires a personal statement where applicants can share their Aikido journey, express how Daryl Schrader's story resonates with them, and outline how they envision Aikido strengthening their bond. Bonus points for video submissions!

Selection Process: All applications are carefully reviewed by the scholarship committee, led by Professor Daryl Schrader's daughter. The selection is based on the sincerity of the applicant's personal statements and their commitment to actively participate in the seminar. 

Impact: The Professor Schrader Scholarship aims to create lasting memories and experiences for parents and their children. Through Aikido training and shared moments during the seminar, families can deepen their understanding of Aikido principles while strengthening their bond for years to come and fostering mutual growth. In addition, we hope to highlight youth in Aikido and the numerous families that currently train on the mat together. 

Special thanks to the friends and family whose contributions made this scholarship possible.

Future Opportunities: The Professor Schrader Scholarship is an ongoing program with the goal of offering this unique experience to numerous families in the future. By applying and participating in the scholarship, families become part of a growing community dedicated to embodying the spirit of Aikido and strengthening family connections.

As we eagerly anticipate your applications, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact that the Professor Schrader Scholarship will have on the bonds of families practicing Aikido together!

Additional Details

For any further inquiries or specific details about the scholarship, please feel free to reach out to the scholarship committee through the contact information provided below.

Please Note: In order to contribute to the enduring success of the scholarship, recipients are kindly required to consent to the capture and sharing of photos and videos. This material will be utilized to promote the scholarship and support future fundraising efforts.