Uechi-Ryu Karate-do — Kobudo — Aikido — Glossary

Aikido

Why is Aikido taught in a Karate dojo?

Rik Lostritto, our head instuctor, began studying aikido in 2005, in order to compliment his understanding of Uechi-ryu Karate-do. Uechi-ryu is often thought of as a hard style, although it really is a style that encompasses both soft and hard. Aikido, as one of the most quintessentially soft styles complements Uechi-ryu very well, and helps bring out an understanding of softer elements. As Rik says, "Aikido is Uechi-ryu turned inside out."

Rik invited Scott Jenkins, one of the students of the Aikido dojo, to teach in our dojo.

What Is Aikido?

Aikido is a gendai budo (modern martial arts practice) from mainland Japan. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (pronounced more-ee-hay way-shee-bah), based on his previous studies of many martial arts, including Daito-ryu Aikijitsu.

The technical basis of aikido is manipulation of balance and timing, and use of joint locks and other techniques to cause the attacker to fall, be pinned, or otherwise be controlled or unable to continue fighting.

The type of aikido we offer is called Tomiki-ryu, a style founded by Kenji Tomiki, one of Ueshiba's early and very accomplished students. Tomiki was also a very accomplished judo practitioner, under the founder of Judo, Juguro Kano.

The Fugakukai International Aikido Assocation was founded at Tomiki's request, to spread his style of aikido in America. Karl Geis, 10th dan, is currently the head of the Fugakukai.

Scott Jenkins

Scott Jenkins, 4th dan Tomiki-ryu aikido through the Fugakukai teaches aikido in our dojo at Rik Lostrittos request. He currently also studies Uechi-ryu with us, in order to increase his own understanding of the martial arts.