Shioda sensei was born in 1915 as the son of a prominent paediatrician. As a young man, he practiced both Kendo and Judo. His particular favorite was Judo, and he quickly achieved a 3rd degree black belt. However, at the age of 18 he experienced a turning point in his martial arts career. He went to visit the Kobukan dojo of Ueshiba sensei. Sensing the young man’s skepticism, Ueshiba sensei invited him to attack in any way he liked. Shioda resolved to attack the older man with all his might, and soon found himself thrown through the air and hitting the ground hard.
Shioda immediately joined the Kobukan dojo and began his study of Aikido under the supervision of Ueshiba sensei. At first, he would train at the dojo on a daily basis while completing his education. He eventually spent 8 years as an uchideshi of Ueshiba sensei after completing his university education.
After returning to Japan at the end of the Second World War, Shioda sensei spent a brief period of time studying with Ueshiba sensei in Iwama. In 1954, he gave a memorable public martial arts demonstration and was awarded the grand prize. Within a year of this demonstration, he founded the Yoshinkan. In conjunction with two of his most senior students, Inoue sensei and Kushida sensei, he developed the Yoshinkan’s curriculum of foundational movements and techniques. Shioda sensei received his 9th Dan from Ueshiba sensei in 1961. He passed away in 1994 having contributed to the spread of Aikido throughout the world.
