Tomiki Aikido 富木合気道

A style of aikido devised by Kenji TOMIKI, a professor of physical education at Waseda University who first learned from Morihei UESHIBA in 1926. Although the systematic and logical curriculum which Tomiki devised is in fact his most outstanding innovation, the addition of competition to aikido is frequently focused on as a highly controversial element. Tomiki patterned his aikido after the model of Jigoro KANO’s judo and intended to have it accepted into the Japanese educational system and as a sport in international competitions. The development of competition took place primarily at Waseda University beginning in 1953 as Tomiki began experimenting with members of the Judo Club. In 1958, the WASEDA UNIVERSITY AIKIDO CLUB was formally recognized by the University administration, on the condition that inter-university competition be instituted. The earliest form of competition, toshu randori was similar to judo, with both competitors using both offense and defense in an attempt to execute appropriate aikido techniques. Currently the primary competitive form is tanto randori, in which one competitor is armed with a mock knife, which is exchanged after a one and a half or two minute half. Points can be scored either with a successful strike with the knife, or by the application of aikido techniques. Kata demonstration competition is also steadily gaining in popularity. Competition is not limited to university students; the First International Sports Aikido Open Tournament was held 18 June 1989 at Tenri University in Nara, Japan, attended by over 200 aikidoka from nine countries.

Josh Gold

Executive Editor of Aikido Journal, CEO of Budo Accelerator, and Chief Instructor of Ikazuchi Dojo.

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