Aikido or "the way in harmony with ki" is a classic, yet modern Japanese martial art, whose origin is traditionally attributed to the famous twelfth century warrior-general Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu. [The term 'ki' may be loosely translated as the cosmic spirit or the universal force.] This martial art was transmitted in the Takeda clan till 1575, after which it was practiced in the province of Aizu. Teaching of this martial art to outsiders was strictly forbidden till the latter part of the nineteenth century, when feudal provinces were abolished in Japan. Takeda Sokaku (or Sokaku Takeda by the U.S. convention), one of its last fully licensed practitioners, started teaching outside the Aizu province, calling it Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu (sometimes also known as Yamato-ryu jujutsu). One of his outstanding students, Morihei Ueshiba, taught it as aiki-jujutsu; he then changed the name to aiki-bujutsu, and later to aikido. It is the latter name by which this martial art has become best known.
Kenji Tomiki first studied judo under Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan judo, and began practicing aiki-jujutsu under Morihei Ueshiba with the encouragement of Kano himself. In 1938, Tomiki became the first of Ueshiba's students to receive menkyo-kaiden, the ultimate certification in the Japanese martial arts. Kenji Tomiki developed his efficient aikido training system applying the twin principles of judo, "Maximum Efficiency with Minimum Effort" and "Mutual Benefit" enunciated by Professor Jigoro Kano. Both Professors Kano and Tomiki were outstanding educators, Kano as President of a prestigious college (which has become the Tsukuba University) and Tomiki as Professor at the Waseda University.;LKL';L';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Tomiki (Sport) Aikido Club of the University of Toronto
ABOUT US
What is Tomiki Style of Aikido?
Tomiki Style Aikido is one of the major branches of modern Aikido, first developed by Kenji Tomiki, a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, and Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. This style of competitive Aikido (posthumously named Tomiki Aikido) with innovative practice techniques improves Aikido skills and spiritual strength through competition. Competition in Tomiki Aikido takes place in two ways. One is kata presentation and another is randori. Randori allows participants to practice safely their martial art skills against opponents wielding (fake) weapons.
Tomiki Aikido is growing in popularity around the globe. More that 20 countries have associations with thousand practitioners. Every two years, an International Tournament is organised for the purpose of identifying the best sportsmen in randori and kata competition.
Who We Are?
The Tomiki (Sport) Aikido Club of the University of Toronto practices Randori to allow practitioners to employ the possibly dangerous techniques in a controlled, yet dynamic manner, and at full speed. It is one of the Aikido styles that are more suited to the needs of self-defence as the techniques are constantly developed for competition and practical self defence applications. Weaponry is also part of the Shodokan’s practice, utilising Bokken (wooden samurai sword) and Jo (4 ½ foot staff) techniques and kata. The Tomiki (Sport) Aikido Club of the University of Toronto is affiliated with Japan via the Japan Aikido Association (JAA). The club was founded in 2008 by Dr. Jeff Hoch and instructed by Sensei Sandjar Djalalov (3rd Dan), who trained directly under of Kobayshi Taku 6th Dan. Kobayashi sensei is a chief coach of Waseda University Aikido club and direct student of Shihan Fumiaki Shishida, 8th Dan, Shihan of the Japan Aikido Association (Shodokan Honbu).
Why are you choosing Tomiki Aikido?
Aikido is an excellent form of both physical and mental exercise. It is considered a "soft" art because of the lack of kicks and punches. Aikido is ideal for just about everyone, from teens to grandparents; it is especially attractive to women because it does not require the tremendous amount of strength required by other martial arts. Competition is not required to advance in Tomiki Aikido, but it does help sharpen skills while providing an opportunity for “real life” practice.
These are the benefits you will experience when you start training in Tomiki Aikido:
Physical
· Weight control
· Increased stamina
· Increased fitness
· Increased coordination and balance
Mental
· Improved concentration
· Reduced stress
· Relaxation
· Better attitude
Personal
· Self confidence
· Self esteem
· Self defence
· Self control
Classes for men, women, teens and children from age 6
Fumiaki Shishida
Shihan
8th Dan
Jeff Hoch
President
