What is Aikido?
Aikido is a powerful system of self-defense that blends with the energy of your opponent to render their attacks harmless. Through regular practice, adults may use Aikido as a means to enhance and maintain their health and flexibility.In addition, children are taught self-discipline and the virtues of respecting themselves and others. Through the harmony and balance of circular blending movements, Aikido aims to unite the spirit and body of each practitioner.
In Aikido, men and women of all ages cooperate in daily practice aimed at making the mind and body become more harmonious with nature. Because of its great versatility, Aikido may be practiced by both young and old as a martial art for self-defense as well as a method of physical and spiritual training.
History of Aikido
Aikido developed from Japanese Bujutsu (“warrior skills”) which emerged over a thousand years ago. Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido, studied various bujutsu, including Kito-ryu, Yagyu-ryu and Daito-ryu jujutsu, mastering the secrets of each. He also trained himself under Onisaburo Deguchi, an outstanding religious leader of his time. Known to his followers with reverent affection as O Sensei, Ueshiba began teaching in a dojo near Kyoto and named his art Aiki Budo. He later moved to Tokyo, establishing what became the Headquarters Dojo.
In 1942, the name of the art was changed to Aikido. After World War II, O Sensei's Aikido spread rapidly through the international martial art community, establishing itself in the United States in the early 1960s. When O Sensei died in 1969, his son Kisshomaru became Doshu (Master) succeeding his father in the traditional Japanese manner. Upon the death of Ueshiba Kisshomaru Sensei in early 1999, his son Moriteru has assumed the title Doshu, becoming the third member of the family to lead the Aikido community.
T.K. Chiba Shihan
T.K. Chiba was born February 5, 1940 in Tokyo. At 14 years of age, he began serious Judo training at the International Judo Academy. He began the study of Sho To Kan karate at age 16. Dissatisfied with the martial arts he had studied, he began searching for the art which would satisfy his yearning.
In 1958 he found Aikido and began seven intensive years of live-in study as an uchideshi, or O-Sensei's private student, at Hombu Dojo.
Chiba Sensei moved to Sunderland, England, in 1966.
During 1970, he was awarded the title of Shihan, meaning "teacher of teachers," and received 6th Dan as well. In 1975, Chiba Sensei returned to Japan and served as Secretary of the International Department of Hombu Dojo. During this time he also studied Zen meditation in Shizouka Prefecture
In 1981, he accepted an invitation from the United States Aikido Federation (directly affiliated with Hombu Dojo, Aikido World Headquarters, and currently headed by Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu) and moved to San Diego, California. There he formed San Diego Aikikai. Currently he is Chairman of the Teaching Committee of Birankai International, and is the Technical Director of British Birankai.
He holds the rank of 8th Dan.
Genpu Kan Chief Instructor:
Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson is a member of the British Birankai Teaching Committee. He is graded 5th Dan, Shidoin (National Instructor). These grades were awarded
directly under examination by Chiba Shihan.
The Japanese name for the dojo, Genpu Kan, was a gift from Chiba Shihan, and translates as School of the Wind of Universal Essence.