What is Yoshinkan Aikido
Aikido is a modern martial art derived from the Samurai fighting techniques of ancient Japan. Developed during the 1920s, the technical foundations of Aikido can be traced back to aiki-jujitsu, which evolved in feudal Japan.
Aiki-jujitsu techniques were practiced by Prince Teijun, son of Emperor Seiwa (850–880 AD) and passed on to succeeding generations of the Minamoto family. Throughout this time, the techniques were refined to provide an effective form of hand-to-hand combat.
Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) became a recognized master of aiki-jujitsu and several other martial arts. He also believed in peace. In 1925, he organized a style of aiki-jujitsu to assist his spiritual and physical development. The result was modern aikido.
Morihei Ueshiba teaching at the Kobukan dojo in the 1930s
Aikido is not a conventional fighting art or sport. Instead, it is a martial art that develops the ability to harmonize with opposing forces, rather than combat them. Many circular and spherical movements are involved in aikido to redirect opposing forces toward a less harmful destination.
One of Ueshiba’s top students was Gozo Shioda (1915–1995). In 1955, after training for many years and receiving ninth dan, Shioda Sensei formed the Aikido Yoshinkan Foundation. Shioda Sensei’s style of aikido became known as Yoshinkan, a name he inherited from his father: “yo” meaning cultivating, “shin” meaning spirit or mind, and “kan” meaning house. Therefore, Yoshinkan means the “house for cultivating spirit” or the “place for developing one’s spirit.”
The world headquarters (Honbu dojo) of Yoshinkan Aikido is located at the heart of Tokyo, Japan, in Shinjuku. More than 1,000 students train there every month. In addition, there are more than 90 Yoshinkan Aikido dojos in Japan.
Over the years, Yoshinkan Aikido became world recognized as an effective martial art and was chosen as core curriculum for the Tokyo Riot Police, female police officers, and other forces throughout Japan.
Gozo Shioda demonstrating Kokyunage at the Honbu dojo
In Yoshinkan Aikido, the emphasis is on the study of fundamental movements and solid basic techniques, as well as gaining philosophical insight into the conduct of life and human relationships. Yoshinkan Aikido as a martial art is non-competitive and non-violent. Cooperation and harmony are more important than aggression. Timing and control are more important than strength. With the development of solid basics, Yoshinkan Aikido provides a powerful means of self defence without undue aggression.
The instructors and students at Grand River Aikido welcome all who wish to study Yoshinkan Aikido. We seek to have fun, promote fitness, and encourage a healthy outlook on life during our practice. We look outward, but also inward to examine and improve our lives in an honest and forthright manner.