Tomiki Aikido
The Gentle Art Of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969)
Ai (harmony) Ki (spirit) Do (way) was the term given by founder Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) to describe his martial art system. He studied many different forms but was most influenced by Daito-ryu, a school of Ju-jutsu, from Hokkaido, Japan. He began teaching this system in the 1920s and Kenji Tomiki was one of his early pupils. Ueshiba was greatly influenced by a form of Shinto-ism, which had a profound effect on the principles that turned Ju-jutsu into Aikido. Central to these principles is harmony with oneself and the rest of the world.
Using the attacker’s own momentum, Aikido aims to neutralise an attack while promoting a relaxed state of mind and body.
Sometimes referred to as “Sport Aikido”, Tomiki style differs from the other schools of Aikido by having competitive tournaments as a method to test ones ability and the effectiveness of techniques. It is not compulsory to take part in competition however, as it represents only a part of overall training. Competition usually consists of bouts where the participants take turns to attack one another with a soft tanto (knife). The defender attempts to avoid the strikes and score points by throwing the attacker. Tomiki Aikido consists of soft and flowing techniques and is therefore suitable and effective for both men and women of all levels of fitness.
Kenji Tomiki (1900-1979)
8th Dan in Judo and the first to be awarded 8th Dan in Aikido in 1942. He used his knowledge of Judo to introduce to Aikido a system of Katas (set movements), and also competitive Aikido, both as learning tools. Training methods have evolved from its traditional origins but the principles involved have been kept the same.
“I introduced Randori Aikido so that students could make their techniques more effective by ‘free play’. These techniques originate from Kata and can develop through Randori to competition. In order to teach the spirit of Budo in a modern educational system, it is necessary to introduce it as a sport. The reason I developed Randori Aikido from Kata Aikido is because I wished to follow the method and thinking of Dr. Jigaro Kano in which he evolved Judo from old style Ju-jitsu. Dr. Jigaro Kano was one of my greatest teachers. He introduced and established Judo Randori-Ho from ancient Ju-jitsu techniques and styles, for example Tenti or Shi no Ryu and Kito Ryu, thereby introducing old style Ju-jitsu into the modern educational system, which enabled it to become the competitive sport it is today, allowing considerable improvement of technical detail by practical application, particularly with respect to throwing techniques and ground work. In the course of this development it was necessary to leave out much of the Atemi-waza (striking techniques) and Kansetu-waza (Bending or twisting of the joints) which were used very effectively by unarmed practitioners against an armed opponent. But it is my hope that these techniques can be preserved and developed as an independant sport. Hence ‘Randori Aikido’.”
Heritage
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that was developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. The word Aikido is formed by combining three Japanese words: “ai” meaning harmony, “ki” meaning spirit or energy, and “do” meaning way or path.
Aikido emphasizes the use of an opponent’s own energy and movements to gain control of them, rather than relying on brute force. Practitioners of Aikido use joint locks, throws, and pins to subdue their opponents.
One of the central principles of Aikido is blending with the attacker’s energy and redirecting it, rather than meeting force with force. This allows Aikido practitioners to defend themselves while minimizing the potential for harm to themselves or their attacker.
In addition to self-defense, Aikido practice is also seen as a way to develop physical fitness, mental clarity, and a sense of harmony and balance in one’s life. Aikido techniques can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities, and the philosophy of Aikido emphasizes compassion, cooperation, and respect for others.
Tomiki Aikido is a style of Aikido that was developed by Kenji Tomiki, a student of both Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of Aikido) and Jigoro Kano (the founder of Judo). Tomiki Aikido emphasizes the use of kata (prearranged forms) and randori (free-style training) in its practice.
One unique aspect of Tomiki Aikido is the inclusion of competitive randori, which involves two practitioners sparring against each other with the goal of scoring points through controlled throws and pins. Competitive randori is intended to help practitioners develop their timing, distance, and technique in a dynamic and challenging environment.
In addition to competitive randori, Tomiki Aikido also places a strong emphasis on the use of kata to develop proper form and technique. Tomiki Aikido includes 17 kata, each with a specific set of techniques that practitioners must learn and master.
Tomiki Aikido is often seen as a more structured and systematic approach to Aikido training, with a focus on practical application and technical precision. However, like all styles of Aikido, it also emphasizes the principles of harmony, non-violence, and respect for one’s opponent.