Today, as we hold the opening ceremony of this Shodokan Aikido Dojo, I could not be more thankful that so many of you have graced us with your presence. On behalf of everyone at Shodokan, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere appreciation. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a few words about the future path of Shodokan.
Japan has a cultural heritage of which we can be proud of internationally. As a part of this cultural heritage, Japanese budo (martial arts) has over many years produced a number of experts and great masters, and a culmination of their efforts and life work has been passed down to us. Japanese budo has been influenced by the essence of Eastern spiritual culture, such as Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shintoism, as well as the classical Chinese philosophy of Laozi and Zhuangzi (Taoism). Therefore, from ancient times, budo has been said to be not merely about physical ‘techniques’ but rather a spiritual ‘way’ or ‘path’.
The types of budo are exceedingly numerous, truly befitting the description of the Japanese idiom ‘a dazzling array’. Even considering just the old style jujutsu schools, there are 179 recorded styles. However, there is an old poem states, ‘Though the paths branching at the foot of the mountain may differ, they all look upon the same moon at the high peak.’ Whether the path at the foot of the mountain is Kendo, Judo, Aikido, Karatedo, the Way of the Naginata, or Kyudo, it does not change the fact that they all gaze at the exact same moon at the summit. In order to see the moon at the peak, one must climb by firmly treading on each individual ‘technique’ step by step. In other words, the practice of budo is to reach the ‘way’ through ‘technique’.
Aikido has its roots in Daito ryu Aikijujutsu, which was a style of jujutsu handed down within the Aizu clan. Particularly from the Edo period onward, it was called ‘oshikiuchi’ and received the special patronage of the feudal lord. Takeda Sokaku (1860-1943), known as the great restorer of Daito ryu, learned the sword techniques of Ono ha Itto ryu kenjutsu in his youth and later studied Jikishinkage ryu kenjutsu, as well as studying the spear techniques of Hozoin ryu, and accordingly absorbed and incorporated the principles of sword techniques into the empty-hand techniques of jujutsu.
Indeed, going back to the early Edo period, various styles greatly advanced the research of atemi waza (striking techniques) and kansetsu waza (joint techniques). This was because combat transitioned from battlefield fighting in armor, to peacetime fighting in ordinary clothes, which transformed jujutsu into a martial art of self-defense to prepare against slashing and thrusting attacks. For this reason, the principles of the sword were incorporated into empty-handed jujutsu, and on this point, Daito ryu Aikijujitsu was exceptionally outstanding.
Ueshiba Morihei sensei (1883-1969) initially studied jujutsu styles such as Tenjin Shinyo ryu, Kito ryu, and Yagyu ryu. In 1915, at the age of 32, he became a student of Takeda Sokaku in Daito ryu, and exhibited his innate, heaven-bestowed talent. He was also an exceptionally pious man, and from the enlightenment of ‘Shinjin Aiki’ (the union of the divine and human through aiki), he renamed ‘Aikijujutsu’ to ‘Aikido’ and became its founder.
In the early years of the Meiji period, Kano Jigoro sensei (1860-1938) proposed Kodokan Judo by modernizing classical jujutsu from the standpoint of modern education for the new era. Modernization of classical jujutsu meant, firstly, transcending individual schools or styles so as to rationally classify and organize techniques and forms of combat, and to establish a training system for randori. Secondly, from the viewpoint of educational philosophy, he clarified the various religious thoughts of Confucianism, Buddhism and Shintoism that were prevalent in classical martial arts, organizing them into a framework of ideas built on philosophy and ethics, so as to be suitable for a modern form of education. By doing this he removed some of the confusion that could easily occur between the old style jujutsu schools and was able to show the modern significance of a budo of ‘harmony’.
If the techniques of old style jujutsu are classified, they can be separated into many different categories and forms of combat. Kodokan Judo created a randori training system for nage waza (throwing techniques) and katame waza (locking techniques) within a grappling combat structure. Other techniques that do not fall into these categories are formed into kata practice. Meanwhile, Shodokan Aikido, following the educational method of Kodokan Judo, has established a randori training system for atemi waza (striking techniques) and kansetsu waza (joint techniques) within a distanced combat structure. Techniques that cannot be included in this randori system are practiced in kata and their importance is emphasized through this educational method. Through this, I am confident that a technical division representing an important half of jujutsu’s history will be greatly kept alive within the framework of modern education.
As atemi waza (striking techniques) and kansetsu waza (joint techniques) have few elements requiring much physical strength, if practiced in an educational and systematic manner, they contribute to the cultivation of physical flexibility, agility, and dexterity, which is an important element of education in these modern times, and are highly useful for promoting health. Moreover, it possesses the characteristics that make it easy for men and women of all ages to continue practicing throughout their lives, and so acts as a form of lifelong physical education.
On this occasion, I have named this dojo ‘Shodokan’, and it is needless to say that this is connected with the current era name, ‘Showa’. The name ‘Showa’ originates from a passage in the chapter ‘Canon of Yao’ which is found in the Classical Chinese ‘Book of Documents’. The meaning of this phrase is that if each person illuminates their individual virtues, the peaceful coexistence and prosperity of all nations will be realized. This dojo has taken an important first step, which is made possible by the combination of opportunity from heaven, advantage of the land, and harmony of the people.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of you in attendance, as well as the many people who have granted us their support and guidance both openly and in private. Concluding my greetings, I sincerely ask for your continued support and encouragement in the future.
Kenji Tomiki
Head of Shodokan
March 28th, 1976