A fundamental axiom of aikido is that the gentle can control the strong through the study of technique - Gozo Shioda.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art. The founder of aikido was Morihei Ueshiba who lived from 1883-1969. One of the unique aspects to this martial art is the total lack of offensive techniques. In aikido there is no attack, the underlying philosophy behind this art is to subdue, neutralise or bring the attacker under control.
Aikido practitioners also seek to control their opponents by using their own energy to gain control or throw them away. The art is not static, on the contrary, it is dynamic and movement is greatly emphasized.
Through the practice of dynamic aikido, one can be perfectly attuned to the opponent, can sense his intentions and turn his movements to one's own advantage.
Gozo Shioda (1915-1994) was one of Morihei Ueshiba's early students and trained under O'Sensei as a uchi-deshi from 1932-41. During this time the martial art that had not yet been named "Aikido" went through several phases where it was known as Kobukan Budo, Aikijutsu, Asahi ryu, Atoi Ryu, Aiki Budo.
Ueshiba continued to refine and develop aikido and disciples such as Shioda were inspired and motivated to be learning this new and exciting martial art.
In 1955 Gozo Shioda founded his own school and named it after his father's name for the family dojo, the "Yoshinkan", which means "House for the Cultivation of the Spirit". Also known as the "hard" style of aikido, Aikido Yoshinkan has a reputation for its emphasis on the practical application of technique. Its robust and vigorous training system, is as much a legacy of Shioda's ascetic training while he trained with Ueshiba Sensei in his early years.
The All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Federation and International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation (IYAF) were founded in 1990, both of which are now led by Kancho Yasuhisa Shioda - 8th Dan, son of the founder.
Aikido Yoshinkan is practiced in many countries around the world today and continues to grow at an incredible rate. Aikido's harmonious approach to conflict ensures that it will remain a popular martial art in modern times.
As with all the martial arts aikido owes its development to the countless teachers and practitioners who over the past eight hundred years have devised and polished the techniques, sometimes at the risk of their lives.
These techniques are based on principles which today stand up to scientific scrutiny. One of the characteristic principles of aikido is marui (circular motion). If an attack launched along a straight line is "received" with a circular motion it can be channeled and controlled, and once this circular movement has been mastered it is possible to meet an attack of any force from any direction.
Furthermore the concept of meeting something in a circular way is one which can be used in everyday situations. Progress can only be made in the study of technique by remaining calm and practicing in harmony with one's opponent.
Real strength consists of a straight but flexible mind and a body tempered by hard practice - Gozo Shioda.