Unity Aikido ~ “Way of Harmony”
affiliated with Aikido Shoushinkai Japan, with Aikikai as strong foundation, flow with the Nishio-way. Our current Shihan is Kunio Yoshimoto Shihan 吉本邦夫 師範 (7th dan Aikido, 5th dan Iaido).
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Aikido (合気道)
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Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed
by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit". Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the Aiki that Ueshiba studied into a wide variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.
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Nishio-way Aikido.
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Shoji Nishio sensei 西尾昭二 師範(8th dan Aikido, Aikikai Federation, with Shihan designation), was judo (6th Dan Kodokan Judo), karate (5th Dan Shindo jinen-ryu), iaido (7th Dan Nihon Zendoku Iaido), also high skill in Shinto Muso-ryu jojutsu and Hozoin-ryu sojutsu. Nishio sensei is often refer to as Aikido’s innovative genius. He ingeniously merge the martial art skills and knowledge he acquired into his own specific aikido style, which is now widely referred to as Nishio-way of Aikido. He also created a new school of Iaido with forms from aikido, called Aiki Toho Iaido. In 2003 Nishio sensei was awarded the Budo Kyoryusho award from Japanese Budo Federation for his lifetime contribution to development and promotion of aikido worldwide. (ref: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoji_Nishio)
With Morihei Ueshiba’s Aikido philosophy served as a principle and foundation, Nishio Sensei smoothly unify Aikido with essential elements from judo, karate, iaido, and jujutsu, evolving Aikido into his total unique Nishio-way Aikido technique, with its own aikido technical framework and philosophy. Nishio Sensei, while not imitating the O Sensei’s techniques, he took aikido philosophy taught by the O Sensei very much to heart.
“Human beings should not fight. They should instead love each other, help each other, and complement each other. By doing so, they create a humane world.”
These principles that echo Morihei Ueshiba’s core beliefs is the concept that, in aikido, the intent and movement of the opponent are not opposed. Rather, is a process to harmonize with foe, by mirroring opponent’s breathing and movement, thus allowing the aikidoka to neutralize his aggression. Having controlled the attack, aikido advocates the forgiveness and rehabilitation of the attacker rather than causing injury or death. In Nishio-way Aikido technique we specifies where all techniques can be performed with bokken in hand as well as without weapons. We should absorbing aikido’s essential principles and adapting them to the current cultural context. Hence Aikido technique should constantly evolve in technical understanding and skills improvement.
“Budo must always reflect its surroundings. If it isn’t newer and stronger, it isn’t valid.”
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Kunio Yoshimoto Shihan 吉本邦夫 師範
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Our current Shihan, Kunio Yoshimoto sensei (7th dan Aikido Aikikai Federation, with Shihan designation, 5th dan in Iaido). Sensei trained with Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba during his 4 years University life. Subsequently, sensei advance his training with hombu's sensei including Morihiro Saito Shihan (9 dan), Shoji Nishio Shihan (8 dan) and Hirokazu Kobayashi Shihan (8 dan).
10 years ago, sensei start to travel oversea to promote aikido, which includes Sweden, Mexico, USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan , Guam.
