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 and became
the first and only Yoshinkan Aikido program in Qatar recognized by
its Headquarters located 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, non-competitive environment with
a strong emphasis on the fundamental movements of Aikido.
Aikido Yoshinkan Doha is committed to providing quality instruction
without discrimination to age, gender, ethnicity or religion.
The Aikido Yoshinkan Doha Dojo was founded in 2008 and became
the first and only Yoshinkan Aikido program in Qatar recognized by
its Headquarters located 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, non-competitive environment with
a strong emphasis on the fundamental movements of Aikido.
Aikido Yoshinkan Doha is committed to providing quality instruction
without discrimination to age, gender, ethnicity or religion.
