Published February 27, 2015 14:21
SAF crest
The name Shodokan (昭道館) takes one character from the name of the Showa period (昭和) in which it was established. This character can also be found in the name of the dojo’s location, as well as the name of the company which constructed the dojo.
The Shodokan Aikido Federation logo
The etymology of the word Showa is derived from the phrase “百姓昭明、協和萬邦”. The meaning of this phrase is that if each person clearly demonstrates their virtues, all the world can co-exist and prosper.
Tomiki Kenji sensei’s life-long mission was to greatly develop Aikido; following the teaching methods of Kano Jigoro shihan, the founder of Kodokan Judo. This is shown by comparing Kodokan (講道館) which is ‘the hall to lecture on the path of Judo’; with Shodokan which is ‘the hall which clarifies the path of Aiki”.
This mark includes the ideal of Shodokan Aikido, to share and spread the path to life-long physical education worldwide, which is made possible by the combination of opportunity from heaven, advantage of the land and harmony of the people.