
AIKIDO
Usually translated as the Way of Unifying Spirit
or the Way of Spiritual Harmony—is a fighting system that focuses on throws, pins
and joint locks together with some striking techniques. Founded by O’Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is unusual among the martial arts for its heavy emphasis on protecting the opponent and on spiritual and social development.
Morihei Ueshiba circa 1922
The early form of training under Ueshiba was noticeably different from later forms of Aikido. It had a larger curriculum, increased use of strikes to vital points (atemi) and a greater use of weapons. The schools of Aikido developed by Ueshiba's students from the pre-war period tend to reflect the harder style of the early training. One of these students was Gozo Shioda, founder of Yoshinkan Aikido.
Usually translated as the Way of Unifying Spirit
or the Way of Spiritual Harmony—is a fighting system that focuses on throws, pins
and joint locks together with some striking techniques. Founded by O’Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is unusual among the martial arts for its heavy emphasis on protecting the opponent and on spiritual and social development.
Morihei Ueshiba circa 1922
The early form of training under Ueshiba was noticeably different from later forms of Aikido. It had a larger curriculum, increased use of strikes to vital points (atemi) and a greater use of weapons. The schools of Aikido developed by Ueshiba's students from the pre-war period tend to reflect the harder style of the early training. One of these students was Gozo Shioda, founder of Yoshinkan Aikido.

YOSHINKAN AIKIDO
Yoshinkan ("Hall of Spirit Cultivation") Aikido is a style of Aikido that developed after World War II in the Yoshinkan Dojo of Gozo Shioda(1915–1994). Yoshinkan Aikido is often called the "hard" style of Aikido because the training methods are a product of Shioda's grueling life before the war.
As a style of Aikido, Yoshinkan is more akin to the pre-war Aikibudo techniques taught by Morihei Ueshiba, and therefore also generally closer to Aikijutsu than those styles of Aikido developed after the war. The unusual emphasis placed on correct form prior to practicing correct flow and timing further contributes to its image as a "hard" style.
Gozo Shioda created a structured method in which beginning students would learn the foundation techniques. Techniques are performed by a pair of students called uke (the partner on whom the technique is performed) and shite (the partner who
performs the technique). They are categorized by elements such as the initiating attack, the applicable control and whether it is a pin or throw. They are further divided into two groups called ichi (first) and ni (second) techniques.
The current method of breaking the techniques into steps and the kihon dosa (basic movements were developed in order to facilitate teaching beginners in a group. To remove stiffness from techniques taught in this way, practitioners over the rank of shodan(black belt) also practice timing and flow.
Yoshinkan ("Hall of Spirit Cultivation") Aikido is a style of Aikido that developed after World War II in the Yoshinkan Dojo of Gozo Shioda(1915–1994). Yoshinkan Aikido is often called the "hard" style of Aikido because the training methods are a product of Shioda's grueling life before the war.
As a style of Aikido, Yoshinkan is more akin to the pre-war Aikibudo techniques taught by Morihei Ueshiba, and therefore also generally closer to Aikijutsu than those styles of Aikido developed after the war. The unusual emphasis placed on correct form prior to practicing correct flow and timing further contributes to its image as a "hard" style.
Gozo Shioda created a structured method in which beginning students would learn the foundation techniques. Techniques are performed by a pair of students called uke (the partner on whom the technique is performed) and shite (the partner who
performs the technique). They are categorized by elements such as the initiating attack, the applicable control and whether it is a pin or throw. They are further divided into two groups called ichi (first) and ni (second) techniques.
The current method of breaking the techniques into steps and the kihon dosa (basic movements were developed in order to facilitate teaching beginners in a group. To remove stiffness from techniques taught in this way, practitioners over the rank of shodan(black belt) also practice timing and flow.
DOHA AIKIDO
The Aikido Yoshinkan Doha Dojo was founded in 2008 by Joe Scarlato when it became the first Yoshinkan Aikido program in Qatar to be recognized by its Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, AYD has had the honor of hosting a number of seminars taught by visiting instructors from Japan, Australia and the USA. Our philosophy is one of dedicated training in a positive, friendly and non-competitive environment with a strong emphasis on the fundamental movements of Yoshinkan Aikido.
Sensei Joe Scarlato began studying the martial arts in 1991 in the Bronx, New York. He holds Black Belts in both Aikido and Jujutsu and has been teaching the martial arts and defensive tactics for over 25 years. He began his training in the Yoshinkan style of Aikido in 1999 in New York City under the instruction of Sensei David Fryberger, 6th degree Black Belt (Los Angeles Aikido).
In 2004, he along with Sensei Roman Solonyy (New York Yoshinkan Aikido) became co-instructors of the New York Dojo.
His dedication to Aikido has led him to meet and receive instruction from some of the most famous and talented Yoshinkan Aikido instructors from Japan, Australia and the U.S.. He currently holds the rank of 4th degree Black Belt, which he received while living and training in Japan.
Joe is a former NYPD Detective and U.S. Marine, his goal is to share with others the many life-skills martial arts & self defense training has taught him and to make Aikido training an amazing experience for everyone. He is committed to providing both children and adults, with a fun, safe, and positive place to learn and experience the life-changing benefits martial arts training is capable of providing.
Aikido Yoshinkan Doha is committed to providing quality instruction without discrimination to age, gender, ethnicity or religion and all are welcome to experience Aikido for themselves.
The Aikido Yoshinkan Doha Dojo was founded in 2008 by Joe Scarlato when it became the first Yoshinkan Aikido program in Qatar to be recognized by its Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, AYD has had the honor of hosting a number of seminars taught by visiting instructors from Japan, Australia and the USA. Our philosophy is one of dedicated training in a positive, friendly and non-competitive environment with a strong emphasis on the fundamental movements of Yoshinkan Aikido.
Sensei Joe Scarlato began studying the martial arts in 1991 in the Bronx, New York. He holds Black Belts in both Aikido and Jujutsu and has been teaching the martial arts and defensive tactics for over 25 years. He began his training in the Yoshinkan style of Aikido in 1999 in New York City under the instruction of Sensei David Fryberger, 6th degree Black Belt (Los Angeles Aikido).
In 2004, he along with Sensei Roman Solonyy (New York Yoshinkan Aikido) became co-instructors of the New York Dojo.
His dedication to Aikido has led him to meet and receive instruction from some of the most famous and talented Yoshinkan Aikido instructors from Japan, Australia and the U.S.. He currently holds the rank of 4th degree Black Belt, which he received while living and training in Japan.
Joe is a former NYPD Detective and U.S. Marine, his goal is to share with others the many life-skills martial arts & self defense training has taught him and to make Aikido training an amazing experience for everyone. He is committed to providing both children and adults, with a fun, safe, and positive place to learn and experience the life-changing benefits martial arts training is capable of providing.
Aikido Yoshinkan Doha is committed to providing quality instruction without discrimination to age, gender, ethnicity or religion and all are welcome to experience Aikido for themselves.