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Aikido (合気道)

 

   
 

Schoon Renshi with Yasuhisa Shioda Kancho, and Kevin Blok Kyoshi, 2008

 

 

 
“Aikido is the principle of nonresistance. Because it is nonresistant it is victorious from the beginning. Those with evil intentions or contentious thoughts are instantly vanquished. Aikido is invincible because it contends with nothing”

- O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido

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, pictured above) 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
 

 

Gozo Shioda Sensei (1915-1994, pictured left) 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."



The Art of Peace

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-defense 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.

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