About
About Yoshinkan Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that is practised worldwide by both men and women, from children to seniors. The Yoshinkan style of Aikido is one of the most prevalent styles worldwide. Aikido was developed in the early part of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, who was one of the finest martial artists of all time. Aikido is based on the traditional sword movements of the samurai. The Yoshinkan style of aikido was developed by one of Ueshiba O-Sensei’s most advanced students, Gozo Shioda.
Yoshinkan Aikido is based on careful and precise practice and methodical use of basic movements, attention to detail, and patient repetition of techniques to achieve mastery. Aikido does not depend on strength or speed and is non-competitive. This foundation of fundamental movements supports the development of basic techniques leading to a very powerful means of self-defense without unnecessary aggression. Although good training requires discipline and focus, we consider it equally important to have fun.
Aikido is based on principles of harmony. The techniques are based on blending of movement and energy. We do not use power. We use connection, balance, and timing. We do not seek to injure, but rather to carefully control. Most techniques finish with a pin to painlessly but effectively subdue our partner. With trained partners, techniques can end with beautiful and graceful throws.
Aikido develops dexterity, timing, and balance. We practice in a cooperative learning environment, which we believe promotes positive interactions between teachers, other students, and society. Aikido is co-operative, so people make new friends and learn how to co-operate with teachers, other students, and society in general. Aikido develops discipline and focus. Most importantly, we have fun. For children, aikido offers a safe, playful environment to learn a beautiful martial art.
Classes are focused on principles of cooperation and harmony, not aggression. Aikido employs graceful movements to perform subtle yet powerful techniques where timing and control are more important than strength.
Keith Taylor – Chief Instructor and Head of Dojo (Dojocho)
Our chief instructor is Keith Taylor (6th dan) who has 4 decades of martial arts experience. Keith Taylor began his aikido training in 1985 in Toronto. He moved to Vancouver in 1990. In 1992, at the invitation of the International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation, Taylor Sensei went to Ontario. Here he tested and received his Sandan {3rd degree black belt} before Chida Shihan (8th Dan) Chief instructor of the hombu dojo in Tokyo. In 1995 Taylor Sensei tested before Alister Thomson Sensei (6th Dan) and received his Yondan {4th degree black belt}. In 2000, Kiyoyuki Terada Shihan (9th Dan), foremost senior Yoshinkan practitioner in the world, tested and awarded Taylor Sensei Godan {5th degree black belt} in 2000. In 2008, Yasuhisa Shioda Kancho awared Taylor Sensei with his Rokudan {6th degree black belt} at the Shuharikan Dojo Yoshinkai Festival, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Although Taylor Sensei now practises exclusively in Yoshinkan Aikido, he has many years of experience in other martial arts, including karate and hapkido, in which he holds a 7th dan.
Other Instructors
All of the black belt students teach the adult classes from time to time. All have international teaching licences issued from the Yoshinkan Hombu Dojo (headquarters) in Tokyo. All instructors are volunteers and receive no payment for their services. Our dojo fees are used entirely for the purposes of the dojo, like room rental fees and to bring guest instructors to Vancouver.
Sowakan Dojo (Maple Ridge) and Sokushinkan Dojo (Vancouver)
Sowakan Dojo (Maple Ridge) and Sokushinkan Dojo (Vancouver) offer associate membership. You are free to train at both dojos for no additional cost.We are non-commercial and non-profit; this allows us to offer very competitive fees for our training.
In September 1990 Keith Taylor Sensei opened a Yoshinkai Aikido Dojo at the Maple Ridge Community Centre. In 1992 Chida Shihan supplied the Maple Ridge Dojo with the name Sowakan.
A TRAINING DAY IN YOSHINKAN AIKIDO
All who take Aikido will find a special atmosphere in the Dojo, (training hall); were both formality and discipline are emphasized, but in a relaxed manner. Many of the instructor’s directions are spoken in Japanese. This is to keep the student in touch with the origins of Aikido and its founders. This is also a reminder of the traditions of the Samurai where it all began.
Classes begin and end in a similar manner. Students kneel in a line and prepare themselves for the upcoming class, they bow to the front of the dojo, then to the teacher. The class then proceeds with exercises, basic movements and breakfalls. The exercises are designed to develop stamina, improve flexibility and prepare the body for movement. The basic movements teach the basis of Yoshinkan Aikido techniques. Breakfalls are essential to strong Aikido techniques. These breakfalls are practiced many times, so that they become second nature, and may be executed in a dynamic but safe manner.
At this point the techniques of Aikido are taught. A technique is first demonstrated by the Instructor, then practiced by the students. Student works with each another, so that they can explore the technique together. Beginners are often partnered with advanced students, which is a useful exercise for students at all levels of expertise. The Instructor is there for guidance, to answer questions and to provide individual instruction. It has been found that repetition for both beginners and advanced students is the only way to learn Aikido. In time Aikido manifests in the transitive for the student to harmonize with society.