Shodokan aikido is the system of training devised by Professor Tomiki Kenji. Tomiki Kenji (1860-1938) was an eminent pre-war student of both Kano Jigoro (1860-1938), the founder of Judo, and Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), the founder of aikido.
Using the educational and scientific principles that Kano brought to Judo, Tomiki developed a training system for the aikido techniques of Ueshiba. This method of practice incorporated both kata and freeplay “randori”, along with fundamental training methods for core aikido skills.
Tomiki also developed competitive aikido, similar to Judo, so that techniques could be tested against an opponent. Since many aikido techniques are based on attacks with a weapon, Tomiki realised that the only way to maintain correct distance between opponents, whilst they attempted throws, joint locks and strikes, was to introduce a safe weapon into the sport – a foam Japanese tanto (short sword). The tanto gave the necessary incentive for a defender to keep distance and avoid, whilst being able to apply aikido technique to a committed attack.
Shodokan aikido is practised around the world, with regular regional, national and international competitions.
In the late 1970s Tomiki formally named his style of aikido training “shodokan” – the enlightened way.
He also established the shodokan hombu dojo in Osaka, Japan.
Tomiki Kenji’s most skilled and prominent student, Nariyama Tetsuro, was tasked by Tomiki to continue to research and develop shodokan aikido at the shodokan hombu dojo in Osaka.
Nariyama sensei, 9th dan, remains the current world technical director for shodokan aikido.