Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who studied a number of martial
arts. One of these was Dai To Ryu Aki Jujitsu, which was derived from the secret teachings
of the Takeda samurai clan. Ueshiba Sensei synthesized several martial arts to create
modern Aikido.
O-Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba
One of Ueshiba's greatest students was Gozo Shioda. He had first studied
judo from a very young age in his father's dojo called the "Yoshinkan" - or
"House of Cultivating Spirit".
Kancho Sensei, Gozo Shioda
Soke Shioda eventually started the Yoshinkan style, which maintained the
original 'martial' aspects of Aikido. Yoshinkan Aikido is taught throughout Japan and the
world. Members of the RCMP, the Tokyo Riot Police and other forces train in Yoshinkan
Aikido.
Kancho Sensei, Gozo Shioda
Yoshinkan Aikido is for everyone, allowing practitioners to train at their
own pace and intensity. With proper effort and training, it is an extremely effective form
of self-defense.
