Aikido Yoshinkan Saudi Arabia

A Brief History of Aikido

The Feudal Age and the Samurai

At the onset of the feudal age, the Samurai were peasant-farmers who fought for their lords as well as they could when the occasion arose. This was similar to the peasant-farmer armies that could be raised in feudal Europe. As conflict became more frequent, it became necessary to train armed groups to protect the respective boundaries.

At this time, these armed groups were called Samurai or Bushi. However, their status in society was not established until the Minamoto family formed a military government in 1192. This military government (the Shogunate) strongly encouraged austerity and the pursuit of martial arts and related disciplines for the Samurai class. These studies were eventually rigorously codified and called Bushido �Way of the Samurai.

The Development of Unarmed Techniques and Aiki-jujitsu

Varyingbattlefield situations and the technical requirements of feudal warfareled to the establishment of various Styles or ryu of unarmed combat,which were controlled by, and passed down through the large powerfulfamilies. One of these systems was Aiki-jujitsu.

During the 16th century, Japan was embroiled in civil wars. Each feudallord (Daimyo) struggled to maintain a powerful, independent positionwithin the country. In order to do so, each Daimyo had to create astable, unified force of his own, which required a very strong bondbetween the Lord and his Bushi (warriors).

Bushido, the code of the Samurai, was used not only to encourage thedevelopment of combat techniques; but also to cultivate qualities ofjustice, benevolence, politeness and honor; and probably above all toinculcate the idea of supreme loyalty to one's lord and clan.

It was during this period of almost constant regional warfare, localindependence and feudal isolation that the refinement of unarmed combatforms flourished and thereby developed into very numerous anddistinctive ryu or styles.

Aiki-jujitsu and Its Social Background

The Tokugawa period in contrast were relatively peaceful for Japan.Though the Samurai, as a class saw little combat, they continued topractice and refine the various martial arts of kenjutsu, iaijutsubajutsu and jujitsu.

As the martial arts (and all of Japanese culture) became stronglyinfluenced by Buddhist concepts, the fighting arts were transformedfrom combat techniques (Bugei) into "ways" (Budo), inculcatingself-discipline, self-perfection, and philosophy. As a result, thedimensions of the martial arts expanded beyond the simple objective ofkilling an enemy to include the aspects of everyday living.

After the decline of the Samurai class, martial "techniques" becamemartial "ways" and a great emphasis was placed upon the study of Budoas a means of generating the moral strength necessary to build a strongand vital society. The Bushi, as a class, virtually disappeared under anew constitution that proclaimed all classes equal, but the essence ofBushido, cultivated for many centuries, continued to play an importantpart in the daily lives of the Japanese. This remains true today.

Budo, beingless combative and more concerned with spiritual discipline by whichone elevates oneself mentally and physically, were more attractive tothe common people and were readily taken up by all classes, and peopleof every social strata. Accordingly, kenjutsu became kendo, iaijutsubecame iaido, jojutsu became jodo and jujutsu became judo.

As a young man, Morihei Ueshiba (1968-1882), had an unusual interest inthe martial arts, philosophy, and religion. The environment of hisyouth, one of religious discipline and tradition, had an enormouseffect on the course of his life.

In the year 1898, Ueshiba left his home village of Tanabe outside Osakaand traveled to Tokyo, seeking instruction in the martial arts. Heactively investigated dozens of arts, but was eventually drawn tospecialize in three: the sword style known as Yagyu Shin-Kage-ryu, thestaff style known as Hozoin-ryu, and Tenjin Shinyo jujutsu.

In 1905 Ueshiba met Sokaku Takeda, head of the Takeda family, and beganhis study of Daito Ryu Aiki-jujitsu. In addition, he continued topractice the other arts he had learned in Tokyo, particularly kenjutsuand jojutsu. After four years of intense training Ueshiba was grantedhis masters licence in Aiki-Jujitsu and in 1925 Ueshiba organized hisown style of Aiki-jujitsu, largely for his own spiritual and physicaldevelopment.

To contribute to the evolution of martial "arts" to "ways" � Bugei toBudo � Ueshiba diligently applied himself to the reworking of thekilling techniques he had been taught, and synthesized them into a formthat taught harmony and reconciliation rather than violence and death.Ueshiba proclaimed that the true Budo (the way of the warrior) was theway of the peaceful reconciliation. He dedicated himself to the designof an art that would teach technical prowess and strength, andcommitment to the self-discipline needed for personal growth. He dubbedthis new "modern martial art" Aikido � which means "The Way Of Harmony".

Ueshiba continued to instruct until his death in 1968, earning therespect and admiration of all who met him. Before his death he receiveda government award as the designer of modern Aikido, and generalacclaim for his effort to bring peace and enlightenment to all.

Gozo Shioda & Yoshinkan Style of Aikido Ueshiba'smost outstanding student was Gozo Shioda (1915-1994). It was this manwho contributed much to bring about the increased popularity thatAikido has enjoyed since the war. This was especially so in theimmediate post was years when the son of O-Sensei ceased any Aikidoactivities for several years and later came to train with Shioda Senseiand Saito Sensei.

Shioda entered Ueshiba'sdojo at the age of 18, and lived and practiced there for eight years.Because he stayed at the dojo longer than any other student, and at atime of Ueshiba's greatest health and vigor, Shioda learned to sensethe ways of the Master's mind and spirit.

In recognition of Shioda's progress, Ueshiba was to award him 9th Dan,the highest rank given by Ueshiba to any of his student's, plus his"Master" instructor's license.

Gozo Shioda Sensei's style of Aikido is known as Yoshinkan, a name thathe inherited from his father who owned a Kendo and Judo dojo by thatname. Yo means cultivating; Shin means spirit of mind; and Kan meanshouse; thus Yoshinkan is the house for the cultivation of spirit andmind.

During the mid and late 1950's, having established the post-warposition of Aikido in Japan, Gozo Shioda Sensei assisted KissamaruUeshiba in re-establishing the Aikido program at Ueshiba's dojo inTokyo. From the early 1960's onwards Gozo Shioda Sensei thenprincipally applied himself to developing the teaching program anduchideshi system at his Yoshinkan School and at dojos (primarily policeand company schools in Japan). During this time the Aikikai Honbu dojoof Kissamaru was active in fostering the growth of Aikido overseas.

GozoShioda Sensei was respected the world over for his attitude toward theBudo disciplines and for his belief in Wa (Harmony) as a way of life.He remained involved in the teaching activities at the Yoshinkan Honbuuntil the time of his death.

In 1990 GozoShioda Sensei implemented the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation(IYAF) (Aiki News 1990 #85), the International Instructors Course, theAikido Yoshinkan International quarterly magazine, and the provision ofinstructional videotapes (Quest) and book (Aiki News). Through theseinitiatives Gozo Shioda Sensei hoped to help more directly to cultivatethe worldwide development and understanding in Aikido.

On creating the IYAF Shioda Sensei's official title became "Soke",which translates as founder and father. Soke Shioda passed away on July17, 1994. His legacy lives on through the IYAF and Yoshinkan Aikidothroughout the world.

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