Aikido is a martial art that can be traced back to Aiki-jujitsu, a form of lethal self-defence and hand-to-hand combat in feudal Japan. Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1968) became a recognized master of Aiki-jujitsu and other arts. He also believed in peace and harmony and created a style of Aiki-jujitsu to assist his own spiritual and physical development. The result was modern Aikido.
O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba
Gozo Shioda Sensei (1915-1994) was Ueshiba's top student and a live-in apprentice for nine years before opening his own dojo, which he named the Yoshinkan. "Yo" means cultivating, "Shin" means mind or spirit and "kan" means house. Literally translated, Yoshinkan means "house of cultivating the spirit."
Gozo Shioda
Aikido is not a conventional fighting art. It is non-competitive and non-violent. Using joint locking techniques and throwing techniques, Aikido develops the ability to harmonize with, and thus redirect, opposing forces. The goal is to break an opponent's balance using timing and control rather than strength. With the development of basic techniques Aikido provides a very powerful means of self-defence without undue aggression. Through regular training comes confidence, mental focus, and composure.
The world headquarters for Yoshinkan Aikido is located in Tokyo. In Japan, Yoshinkan Aikido is taught in schools and universities and to the Tokyo Riot Police, female police officers and other special groups. The style is recognized worldwide and is established in numerous countries.