Shodokan Or Tomiki Aikido
Tomiki Aikido, sometimes referred to as "Sport Aikido". The Tomiki style differs from the other schools of Aikido by having competitive tournaments as a method to test ones ability and the effectiveness of techniques. It is not compulsory to take part in competition however as it represents only a part of overall training.
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Competition usually consists of bouts where the participants take turns to attack the other with a soft tanto (knife). The defender attempts to avoid the strikes and score points by throwing the attacker.
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Tomiki Aikido consists of soft and flowing techniques and is therefore suitable and effective for both men and women of all levels of fitness.
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Tomiki Aikido was founded by - Kenji Tomiki (1900-1979)
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Tomiki used the name Shodokan. The style is still often referred to as 'Tomiki Aikido'
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8th Dan in Judo and the first to be awarded 8th Dan in Aikido in 1942, he used his knowledge of Judo to introduce to Aikido a system of Katas (set movements), and also competitive Aikido, both as learning tools. Training methods have evolved from its traditional origins but the principles involved have been kept the same.