Nishio Sensei with O' Sensei (1969)

It is well know that the Aikido technical repertoire was severely reduced and simplified as it was packaged for dissemination to the world following World War II. As a result, both inside and outside of Aikido people began to doubt the effectiveness of Aikido as a real martial art. Shoji Nishio Sensei shared this concern.

Nishio Sensei was highly ranked, not only in Aikido (8th dan), but in judo, karate, iaido and jodo. As a brilliant technician and visionary he incorporated elements of all these arts into his innovative approach to Aikido. The result stays true to both the vision of O-Sensei as well as the martial nature of Aikido. Nishio Sensei began training with O-Sensei in 1951 and taught for more than five decades.

On his final trip to the U.S., Nishio Sensei publicly announced Koji Yoshida to be his official representative to the United States. In 2004, Nishio Sensei published his first and only book entitled, Aikido: Yurusu Budo (“Budo of Acceptance”). In early 2005 he passed away leaving a rich legacy to the budo world.

You are invited to join Koji Yoshida, Shihan (7th dan, Aikido, 7th dan Aikido Toho Iai) for a 2-day seminar on September 17 and 18, 2011 in Santa Monica, CA.

With Yoshida Sensei you will learn to...
- Apply seamless multiple atemi in every Aikido technique.
- Master the moment of “first contact”
- Move effortlessly without struggling or wrestling
- Fully integrate ken and jo arts that accurately illuminate every technique Aikido Toho Iai is a form of Iaido developed by Nishio Sensei specifically to elucidate Aikido principles and technique. If you like, bring your Iaito (non-sharp blades please) or bokken and join us for Iaido sessions as well. Beginners are welcome.

Yoshida Sensei

Yoshida Sensei: Born in 1951 in pref. Toyama. At 19, he moved to Tokyo to study with Nishio Sensei and continued to be a direct student of Shoji Nishio sensei for over 34 years. He holds the rank of 7th dan in Aikido Aikikai, in Iaido (Musoshinden-ryu), and 7th dan in Nishio-ryu Iaido. In 2000, he was assigned by Nishio Sensei to conduct seminars in the U.S., France and other European countries. He covers the fundamental and core principles of Nishio Sensei's aikido through empty-hand techniques expressed with bokken, jo, and sword. He is also an accomplished Calligraphy teacher.