Yoshinkan
Encyclopedia
Aikido Yoshinkan is a style of aikido
founded by Gozo Shioda
(1915–1994) after World War II
. Yoshinkan Aikido is often called the "hard" style of aikido because the training methods are a product of the gruelling period that Shioda spent as a student of Morihei Ueshiba
before the war.
aikibudo techniques taught by O Sensei
, and therefore also generally closer to aikijujutsu than those styles of aikido developed after the war. The unusual emphasis placed on correct form rather than correct flow and timing further contributes to its image as a "hard" style. Aikikai
master Seiseki Abe
said:
Gozo Shioda formed the Yoshinkan style of aikido because he felt that there needed to be greater consistency in the training process for students; he created a structured method in which beginning students would learn the foundation techniques. Techniques are made up of elements such as the initiating attack, the applicable control and whether it is a pin or throw. They are further divided into two groups called ichi (first) and ni (second) techniques. Ichi techniques have a feeling of the energy moving away from you, often with your partner, or uke, pulling. Ni techniques have a feeling of the energy coming towards you. In an ichi technique, the Yoshinkan practitioner goes with the pull; and for a ni technique he diverts or pivots away from the push.
.
Besides the usual attention to distance, timing and balance, the Yoshinkan style places particularly heavy emphasis on stance and basic movements. Yoshinkan’s distinctive stance, or kamae (lit. "posture" in Japanese), stresses the position of feet and hips. Yoshinkan aikido practitioners stand with hips and shoulders square to the front, the front foot pointing outward and the back foot pointing about 90 degrees to the front foot. Kamae is the foundation of all Yoshinkan aikido techniques and practitioners of Yoshinkan aikido strive to perfect their kamae so that their overall technique will be strengthened. Along with kamae there are 6 kihon dosa (lit. "basic movements") which are considered to be central for the 150 basic techniques. Yoshinkan aikido students practice these diligently to understand how to move their kamae around to put themselves in a strong position. Without proper form in one's basic movements one's aikido will not be as effective.
, the founder's son. Under him, the Yoshinkan Honbu dojo
, located in Shinjuku Tokyo
, runs an annual 11-month intensive course called the Senshusei course
derived from the course used to train the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police. The book Angry White Pyjamas
by Robert Twigger
is based on the author's experiences during the course.
founded by Takashi Kushida
, a direct student of Gozo Shioda
and a contemporary of Kyoichi Inoue
.
Then-9th dan Kyoichi Inoue
, shihan
, resigned from the Yoshinkan in March 2006 following an internal dispute, later establishing his own branch, Aikido Shinwakan (合氣道親和館). Following Inoue-shihan's departure, Tsutomu Chida
, 8th dan
and then-dojocho
of Yoshinkan hombu dojo, also broke away, establishing Aikido Renshinkai (合気道錬身会) in 2008.
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
founded by Gozo Shioda
Gozo Shioda
was a Japanese master of aikido who founded the Yoshinkan style of aikido. He was one of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba's most senior students. Shioda held the rank of 10th dan in aikido.-Early life:...
(1915–1994) after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Yoshinkan Aikido is often called the "hard" style of aikido because the training methods are a product of the gruelling period that Shioda spent as a student of Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
before the war.
Style
As a style of aikido, Yoshinkan is more akin to the pre-warWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
aikibudo techniques taught by O Sensei
Morihei Ueshiba
was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" or , "Great Teacher".-Early years:Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan on December 14, 1883....
, and therefore also generally closer to aikijujutsu than those styles of aikido developed after the war. The unusual emphasis placed on correct form rather than correct flow and timing further contributes to its image as a "hard" style. Aikikai
Aikikai
The Aikikai is the original school of Aikido. It is centered on the Aikikai Foundation in Japan, and its figurehead is the Doshu . It is represented globally through the International Aikido Federation....
master Seiseki Abe
Seiseki Abe
was a Japanese shodo and aikido teacher who had a unique relationship with aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, being both his student in aikido and his teacher in calligraphy.- Early years :...
said:
"As far as the Aikido [O'Sensei] practiced in his later years, even young girls, old people and children could do [the techniques]. That is a big difference. I suppose you could say that it was a difference in the severity or the strictness of the training. Before the war, it was severity and strong technique, as opposed to the (kind of) techniques that invigorate our partners as we have now."
Gozo Shioda formed the Yoshinkan style of aikido because he felt that there needed to be greater consistency in the training process for students; he created a structured method in which beginning students would learn the foundation techniques. Techniques are made up of elements such as the initiating attack, the applicable control and whether it is a pin or throw. They are further divided into two groups called ichi (first) and ni (second) techniques. Ichi techniques have a feeling of the energy moving away from you, often with your partner, or uke, pulling. Ni techniques have a feeling of the energy coming towards you. In an ichi technique, the Yoshinkan practitioner goes with the pull; and for a ni technique he diverts or pivots away from the push.
Techniques
Yoshinkan Aikido has some 150 kihon waza (lit. "basic techniques"), which are practised repeatedly. Proficiency in these enable the student to master the remaining ones, which total some 3000 overall. The syllabus contains no weapons forms, although they are practised as an adjunct to the open hand techniques. Like many styles of aikido, Yoshinkan eschews competition; instead, it emphasizes self defence applications. Yoshinkan aikido is one of the martial arts that has been taught to the Tokyo policeTokyo Metropolitan Police Department
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department serves as the police force for the entire Tokyo metropolis. Founded in 1874, it is headed by a superintendent general, who is appointed by the National Public Safety Commission and approved by the prime minister.The Metropolitan Police, with a staff of more...
.
Besides the usual attention to distance, timing and balance, the Yoshinkan style places particularly heavy emphasis on stance and basic movements. Yoshinkan’s distinctive stance, or kamae (lit. "posture" in Japanese), stresses the position of feet and hips. Yoshinkan aikido practitioners stand with hips and shoulders square to the front, the front foot pointing outward and the back foot pointing about 90 degrees to the front foot. Kamae is the foundation of all Yoshinkan aikido techniques and practitioners of Yoshinkan aikido strive to perfect their kamae so that their overall technique will be strengthened. Along with kamae there are 6 kihon dosa (lit. "basic movements") which are considered to be central for the 150 basic techniques. Yoshinkan aikido students practice these diligently to understand how to move their kamae around to put themselves in a strong position. Without proper form in one's basic movements one's aikido will not be as effective.
Senshusei course
In 1990, Gozo Shioda founded the International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation (IYAF) to facilitate the learning of Yoshinkan aikido outside of Japan. Today, both the All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Federation and the IYAF are now led by the current head of the style Yasuhisa ShiodaYasuhisa Shioda
Yasuhisa Shioda is the third Sōke of Yoshinkan aikido, succeeding his brother, Tetsutaro Shioda, in keeping with the iemoto tradition in Japanese martial arts. Their father, Gozo Shioda, founded Yoshinkan aikido...
, the founder's son. Under him, the Yoshinkan Honbu dojo
Dojo
A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dōjōs were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to...
, located in Shinjuku Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, runs an annual 11-month intensive course called the Senshusei course
Senshusei course
is an intensive, 11-month aikido training program conducted at Yoshinkan Aikido's honbu dojo in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan...
derived from the course used to train the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police. The book Angry White Pyjamas
Angry White Pyjamas
Angry White Pyjamas is a book written by Robert Twigger about his time in a one-year intensive program of studying Yoshinkan aikido.-Summary:...
by Robert Twigger
Robert Twigger
Robert Twigger is a British poet, writer and explorer. He lives in Cairo, Egypt.-Life:Twigger was educated at Balliol College, Oxford University. He first began to study engineering, but after six weeks switched to politics, philosophy and economics. His attendance record was poor, and he left...
is based on the author's experiences during the course.
Former Yoshinkan instructors
Yoshokai aikido is an offshoot of Yoshinkan Aikido based in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
founded by Takashi Kushida
Takashi Kushida
Takashi Kushida is a Japanese aikido master and the chief instructor of Aikido Yoshokai Association of North America . He began his study of Aikido under Gozo Shioda in 1955 and lived at the Yoshinkan Dojo as a professional student for many years. In 1964 he became a Shihan...
, a direct student of Gozo Shioda
Gozo Shioda
was a Japanese master of aikido who founded the Yoshinkan style of aikido. He was one of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba's most senior students. Shioda held the rank of 10th dan in aikido.-Early life:...
and a contemporary of Kyoichi Inoue
Kyoichi Inoue
Kyoichi Inoue is a 10th dan Yoshinkan aikido master. He was an uchideshi under Yoshinkan founder Gozo Shioda, in what became the Yoshinkan senshusei course....
.
Then-9th dan Kyoichi Inoue
Kyoichi Inoue
Kyoichi Inoue is a 10th dan Yoshinkan aikido master. He was an uchideshi under Yoshinkan founder Gozo Shioda, in what became the Yoshinkan senshusei course....
, shihan
Shihan
- Title of "Master" is a Japanese Honorific Title, Expert License Certification used in Japanese martial arts for Master Level Instructors. The award of the Expert License Certification is if designated by the qualification by virtue of endorsement by the [A] Association of Chief Instructors or [B]...
, resigned from the Yoshinkan in March 2006 following an internal dispute, later establishing his own branch, Aikido Shinwakan (合氣道親和館). Following Inoue-shihan's departure, Tsutomu Chida
Tsutomu Chida
was previously one of the highest ranking shihan of Yoshinkan aikido, at 8th dan, and dojocho of its hombu dojo from 2002. He first became a part of Yoshinkan in 1969 but split from the organization in January 2008 following the resignation of kanchou Kyoichi Inoue...
, 8th dan
Dan (rank)
The ranking system is a Japanese mark of level, which is used in modern fine arts and martial arts. Originally invented in a Go school in the Edo period, this system was applied to martial arts by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo and later introduced to other East Asia countries.In the modern...
and then-dojocho
Dojocho
Dōjōchō is the title for the head of a Japanese martial arts training hall, or dōjō .The dōjōchō is not always the chief instructor or highest ranked person, but reflects an administrative or ownership role...
of Yoshinkan hombu dojo, also broke away, establishing Aikido Renshinkai (合気道錬身会) in 2008.