Yoshinkan (lit. “hall of spirit cultivation”) is a style of Aikido established by Gozo Shioda after the Second World War. Shioda was one of Morihei Ueshiba‘s principal students during the 1930s. He was also the first of Ueshiba’s students to be awarded the ninth degree black belt. The history of Yoshinkan Aikido as a separate style begins in 1955 with the opening of Shioda’s first dojo in Tokyo. The Yoshinkai is currently the second largest Aikido organization in the world. Yoshinkan is the style of Aikido that is taught to members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department as well as to the elite Kido-tai.
Yoshinkan Aikido is known for its structured and effective training methodology. This methodology reflects Shioda Shihan’s own experience as a direct student of the art’s founder. It involves two partners practicing pre-arranged techniques in a precise manner. Repeated practice in this manner establishes the foundation of the techniques. Repeated practice also allows 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.
The curriculum of Yoshinkan Aikido involves six foundational training movements (called Basic Movements), and some 150 common defensive techniques (called Basic Techniques). Repeated training of the basic movements and techniques helps to develop physical strength and flexibility, and teaches discipline and precision. These attributes help students to develop the solid basis (go) from which technique can progress to become more pliant (ju) and flowing (ryu) in nature.
Yoshinkan Aikido is not a sport. There are no competitions and no feelings of winning or losing. It involves powerful and effective self-defence techniques that can be performed by anyone regardless of their size, gender, or age. However, the concept of Yoshin goes beyond physical training: It is about developing an adaptive and resilient spirit. Through the development of this spirit, we are able to approach the challenges of our daily life with a calm and focused mind.