I currently am a member of the Jiyushinkai and periodically travel to Washington and Arizona to practice. I've been practicing Jiyuhsinkai
Aikibudo off and on for the past 25 years. I am not a Jiyushinkai teacher,
but I am looking for other people in San Francisco who are interested to start training. No experience necessary. I'll be opening up a
space sometime in 2026. If this sounds interesting to you, watch this space or send me an email and I'll let you know as I make progress.
Jiyushinkai Aikibudo
Jiyushinkai Aikibudo mixes modern teaching practices with traditional forms of respect and attention to the practice. Our focus is on
understanding the traditional kata and the mechanisms that make them work and testing the efficacy of those techniques through kata
(structured practice) and randori (free form practice). We do not have tournaments and are not focused on martial arts as a sport.
Aikido
Aikido was founded in 1942 by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to as O Sensei). Kenji Tomiki, the founder of Tomiki-ryu Aikido, was one
of Ueshiba sensei's early students in the art known then as Aikibudo. Tomiki was also a direct student of Jigoro Kano and a high ranking
Judoka. Using this background, along with being a professional educator, Tomiki created his own unique way of categorizing and teaching
Aikido with an emphasis on self defense.
Jiyushinkai Aikibudo is based on the Tomiki-ryu tradition, which is defined from elements of Aikido and Judo together focusing on systematic
explanation. The primary mechanisms for learning principles are through the practice of prearranged standardized forms (kata) and then the
application of these techniques in randori (free form). Aikido curriculum also includes study with the jo (staff) and bokken (sword).
Judo
Established in 1882, Judo has transformed from a comprehensive martial art into a modern Olympic sport. As a martial art, Judo incorporated
the effectiveness of Japanese Jujutsu systems while emphasizing scientific ways to practice. As a sport, Judo has reached thousands of
people and has become an Olympic event. During that process of transformation, several techniques have been modified and or removed for
the purpose of furthering safety. Judo is big enough to be both of these things. Our focus, however, revolves on preserving the martial
and spiritual study of Judo.
The Jiyushinkai Aikibudo curriculum of study has retained many components from its Judo background. This includes studies of Kodokan based
ukemi (falling), Judo throws (nage waza), locks (kansetsu waza), chokes (shime waza), ground work (newaza) and striking (atemi waza). The
spiritual ideals of Judo, seiryoku zenyo (best use of energy) and jita kyoei (mutual benefit), are defining principles of our practice. The
influence of Kano sensei can be felt in every aspect of our training.