Tomiki Aikido

Description

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba and derives mainly from the martial art of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu.  Ueshiba’s goal when forming Aikido was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.  As such, Aikido’s focus is unbalancing an opponent, where he can either be thrown or controlled with a joint lock or pin.  Aikido also includes the use of weapons such as the sword, staff and knife.  While Aikido has very little striking, it is an effective defensive system utilizing circular movements flexibility, active footwork, balance and timing.

At Pacific Rim, student have the opportunity to train in, and earn certification in Tomiki Aikido.  Tomiki Aikido was founded by Kenji Tomiki.  Tomiki trained in Aikido directly with the founder and was awarded the first 8th Dan in 1940.   Tomiki also was an 8th Dan in Kodokan, created the Goshin Jutsu Kata and was a member of the Kodokan’s Special Direction Committee.  Tomiki developed his own style of Aikido which utilized Aikido techniques in the open (long-reach) distance, and Judo techniques in a close (short, critical) distance and practiced both randori as well as organized formal competitions.