Yoshinkan Aikido is not a sport. Aikido is the development and strengthening of the body and mind, and the practical side of Aikido must never be forgotten.
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. 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 Emperor 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 Yoshinkan Aikido has been passed on to many instructors, who are now trying hard to spread Yoshinkan Aikido all over the world, with many.
| Born September 9th 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 Martial Arts Federation |
| 1990 | Established the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation(AYF) together with his son Yasuhisa Shioda. |
| 1990 | Established the International Senshusei program to help develop International Yoshinkan Instructors. |
| Passed away on July 17th 1994 | |