Josh Gold
(7 January 1932-17 June 1995). 6th dan Shinshin Toitsu Aikido. Professional aikido instructor. Born in Hawaii and raised in Japan by his grandfather, a Buddhist priest. After three years of military service, he began training in 1957 in Hawaii. Kobayashi first trained in aikido under Yukiso Yamamoto, Kazuto Sugimoto and Isao TAKAHASHI at the Hawaii Aikikai. He then trained under Koichi TOHEI starting in 1961. He received his 1st dan in 1962, 2nd dan in 1965, and 3rd dan in 1966. Kobayashi relocated to Southern California in the early 1960s where he has played a major role in the development of the art in this region. He became a full-time professional aikido instructor in the fall of 1968 and a 4th dan shortly thereafter. He served as the president and chief instructor of the California Aikido Federation and Western States Aikido Federation through 1974. He was promoted to 5th dan by Tohei in January 1972 and 6th dan in September 1973. Kobayashi became a lecturer at the Physical Education Department of California State University, Fullerton in 1972 and began teaching courses in aikido. He was appointed Koshi (full lecturer) of the KI NO KENKYUKAI and received an Okuden certificate in January 1973. He sided with Tohei at the time of the latter’s separation from AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO in May 1974 and became Chief Lecturer of Ki Development and Chief Instructor of SHINSHIN TOITSU AIKIDO of the Ki Society, Western USA in May 1974. Kobayashi resigned from the Ki Society International in March 1981 and established his own system called SEIDOKAN AIKIDO. In February 1989 organized the Seidokan Institute, Inc. , a non-profit corporation, whose aim is the spread of the principles of Seidokan Aikido without the practice of self-defense arts. The Seidokan headquarters is located at:
Aikido Institute of Michigan / Seiwa Dojo
551 E. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49014
(269) 965-5500
I trained under Sensei Rod Kobayashi when he had that storefront dojo in L.A.’s Crenshaw District off Jefferson Blvd. I think that was back in 1977. I am saddened to learn of his passing. I am curious about the differences of his Seidokan Aikido System from Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido.
The name Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (Aikido with Mind and Body Coordinated) actually came from Kobayashi Sensei’s wife, Minoru Kobayashi, while a student of Tohei Sensei in Tokyo.
The Kobayashi marriage was “arranged” by Tohei Senssei.
I trained with Sensei Kobayashi at his ‘Dai Ichi Dojo in LA on Jefferson Blvd, back in the early 70’s. I started when he was Yondan then when he was promoted to Godin and later we celebrated his promotion to Ryokudan. We also celebrated his coming marriage at a wonderful Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.
There were many great Aikido instructors who practiced at Dai Ichi Dojo coming from San Diego to Sacramento and Sensei Harry Ishisaka was one of them. Occasionally we students went and visited Sensei Ishikawa at his home, he was a really wonderful man and a great instructor. There were also many visits of Hombu Dojo sensei’s who often spent weeks studying with Sensei Kobayashi. He strongly emphasized Ki and Ki development and Toheli Sensei once visited us and we assisted (Uke)
One of my partners was Ken (Kenjo) Wakayama and sadly I lost contact with him. This is a long shot but if anyone out there knows or knew Ken it would be great to learn where he might be.
One of many fond memories after practicing at Dai Ichi was walking with your friends to a small restaurant named Fujiyama, a few doors down the street whose owner, Grace, was the cook, waitress and chief bottle washer (it was a very small restaurant) but what great times we had there after working out on the tatami’s
Grace’s food was delicious and better yet the Sake was always warm and delcious
So many fond memories of being Sensei Kobayashi’s student, of meeting the many great instructors who taught and visited there and of my fellow students.
I am very happy that Sensei Kobayashi’s work and beliefs in Aikido continues onward.
HQ for the Seidokan Aikido organization is now at:
Aikido Institute of Michigan / Seiwa Dojo
551 E. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49014
(269) 965-5500
Thanks Mark. We’ve updated the entry.