Yoshinkan is a style of Aikido that emphasizes physical and mental development, as well as practical self-defense skills. The founder of the Yoshinkai, Gozo Shioda, was a principal student of Morihei Ueshiba during the 1930s. As an early student of Ueshiba, Shioda learned a rigorous Aikido that still owed much to its predecessor art, Daito Ryu Jujutsu. Shioda did much to ensure the survival and spread of Aikido following the Second World War. He also established the curriculum of the Yoshinkan, and worked hard to preserve the martial essence of Aikido. Yoshinkan is currently the second largest style of Aikido practiced in the world. It is the style of Aikido that is taught to several police forces in Japan; including, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Yoshinkan Aikido is known for its structured and effective training methodology. Students learn six foundational training movements (called Basic Movements), and some 150 common defensive techniques (called Basic Techniques). Repeated training of basic movements and techniques helps to develop physical strength and flexibility, as well as instilling precision and discipline. Repeated practice also helps students to learn the underlying principles that operate within the techniques. This is a very effective approach that allows students to acquire skill at a faster pace than other Aikido styles.