Yoshinkan
Aikido began in 1955 at a Dojo in Tsukudo-Hachiman, Shinjuku Tokyo.
Now, the headquarters (Honbu Dojo) is located in Kami-Ochiai, Shinjuku
Tokyo.
The All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Federation and International
Yoshinkan Aikido Federation were founded in 1990, both of which are
now led by Yasuhisa Shioda the son of the founder. All of these organizations
contribute to the spread of Yoshinkan Aikido not only in Japan, but
all around the world.
Throughout the history of Yoshinkan Aikido, many prestigious
people have visited Honbu Dojo. These have included Mike
Tyson, the past US Senator Robert Kennedy with his Wife in
1962, Prince and Princess Hitachinomiya in 1965, and Princess
Alexandra in 1965. The current Crown Prince also visited
in 1987 spending a long time meeting with Shioda Gozo Kancho
privately and observing a special demonstration. There have
also been many other famous visitors from around world who
have enjoyed viewing Yoshinkan demonstrations.
Gozo Shioda Sensei was born in 1915. His farther, Dr. Seiichi
Shioda was known as a famous doctor and a patriot. Gozo was his second
son.
When Gozo Shioda sensei was 18, he became a student of Morihei
Ueshiba Sensei (O-Sensei), the Founder of Aikido. He spent 8 years
with Ueshiba Sensei, dedicating his life to follow his Sensei and mastering
Aikido.
After World War II in 1954, the Life Extension Society held
an All Japan Martial Arts exhibition, where Gozo Shioda's demonstration
was highly praised and he received the highest award. This was a very
important event because Aikido was noticed by Japanese society.
People
rapidly became interested in Aikido.
After 1 year from the Exhibition, Japanese business leaders
supported Gozo Sensei to establish Aikido Yoshin-kai, and The Yoshinkan
Dojo.
Gozo Shioda Sensei worked hard throughout his life spreading
and developing Aikido for 40 years since the founding of Yoshinkan.
On June 17th, 1994, after medical treatment, he peacefully passed away.
Shioda Gozo's Aikido has been passed on to many instructors,
who are now trying hard to spread Yoshinkan Aikido all over the world,
with many people supporting its growth.
| Born September 5th 1915 Tokyo, Yotsuya | |
| 1932 | Began training under Morihei Ueshiba Sensei |
| 1941 | Graduated from university. Assigned to an administrative position during WW2. Was posted to China, Taiwan and Borneo. |
| 1946 | Returned to Japan |
| 1950 | Began teaching Aikido |
| 1954 | Entered the All Japan Kobudo demonstration and won prize for the most outstanding demonstration. |
| 1955 | Established Aikido Yoshinkan |
| 1957 | Developed Senshusei program for The Tokyo Metropolitan Police. |
| 1961 | Received 9th dan from Morihei Ueshiba Sensei. |
| 1983 | Received the rank of Hanshi from the International Budo Federation |
| 1985 | Received 10th dan from the International Budo Federation |
| 1988 | Was recognized for service to aikido by the International Budo Federation |
| 1990 | Established the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation(IYAF) together with his son Yasuhisa Shioda. |
| 1990 | Established the International Senshusei program to help develop International Yoshinkan Instructors. |
| Passed away on July 17th 1994 | |
