Shodokan Aikido is a style of aikido developed by Kenji Tomiki in 1932, focusing on throwing and grappling techniques. The name “Shodokan” can be translated to “blue window,” symbolizing the infinite possibilities and.azure vastness of the art. Shodokan Aikido combines traditional aikido principles with elements of judo and wrestling, resulting in a dynamic and effective martial art. Practitioners of Shodokan Aikido emphasis the harmonization of body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall physical and mental well-being.
Shodokan Aikido is a style founded by Kenji Tomiki, one of his earliest students. It incorporates both formal paired kata training and “freestyle” randori.
Aikido is a defensive martial art that focuses on using an opponent’s energy and momentum against them, rather than using force to overpower them. Shodokan Aikido, also referred to as Sport Aikido, is a style of Aikido that is used for competitions. The style that was developed emphasizes more free-form randori sparring compared to other styles of aikido. Aikido techniques typically involve throws, joint locks, and pins, and they are designed to redirect an attacker’s energy and neutralize their attack.
Competitions of Shodokan Aikido consist of tanto randori and toshu randori. In both, the pairs tori and uke are judged based on their kata. Toshu randori, which is performed barehanded, involves both participants performing moves on the other while simultaneously resisting and countering the other’s moves.
In tanto randori, one participant is designated as the attacker (tantō) and the other is empty-handed and is designated as the defender (toshu). The attacker will use a training knife and perform moves to stab the defender. The defender will use any of the 17 basic aikido moves to throw the attacker. The attacker also attempts to counter the defender’s moves by using five other aikido moves. In competitions, both participants switch roles and spend equal time being the attacker and the defender.
Points between 1/2 and 4 are awarded for various moves. The participant with the most points at the end of the fight is the winner.
The Aikido World Championships is a major international competition for the sport that is conducted every two years. The event location alternates between Japan and cities in different countries.
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