Bay Area Shodokan Aikido

Shodokan (Tomiki) Style Aikido Classes in Berkeley Aikido is a Japanese martial art which is primarily self defensive.

It utilizes an opponent's momentum and body position to break his balance and either pin or throw him. We specifically practice Shodokan Aikido, a style founded by Tomiki-sensei. Tomiki-sensei, who was a student of both Ueshiba-sensei, the founder of Aikido, as well as Kano-sensei, the founder of Judo, sought to develop Aikido as a sport and emphasized refining the practicality and efficiency of t

04/09/2026

Hideo Ohba Jo demonstration 1978

Hideo Ohba jo demo 1978 Hideo Ohba is renowned as the "fighting uke" of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Ohba was known for his realistic and vigorous attacks during demonstr...

03/09/2026

02/21/2026

We will be hosting the TAA summer training camp (gasshuku, 合宿) in New Hampshire this year. The event is open to any Tomiki/Shodokan aikido practitioners. Aikidoka from other styles are also welcome.

Space is limited. Registration information will be available at the end of March.

01/15/2026

Atemiwaza from grabs

01/08/2026

【6段審査内容】 2025.12.21(日)本部道場にて昇級昇段審査会が行われました。その中で本部指導員の藤本和義先生(五段)が 6段を受験されました。その際の受身に抜てき頂き川村は受身をさせて頂きました。藤本先生には私が本部指導員になる以前の学生の頃からお世話になり、今もお世話になっている先輩です。 6段昇段はなかなかお目にかかれないどころか受身を取らせて頂いけたのはあまりある光栄でした。藤本先生6段昇段誠におめでとうございます! また受身させて頂き誠にありがとうございました！ #合気道　#aikido 藤本先生のInstagram👇 @sakura_tubaki_fuji 藤本先生のYouTube👇 @活劇桜椿 ※映像は昭道館本部成山師範より　ご了承賜っております。

12/29/2025

Shu–Ha–Ri (守破離) is a traditional Japanese learning framework that describes the natural evolution of mastery in martial arts, arts, and even life practice. It is not a rigid ladder but a living process, guiding the student from imitation to innovation.

Shu (守) — To Protect / Obey
Shu is the stage of faithful learning. The student follows the teacher’s forms, techniques, etiquette, and rhythms exactly as taught. There is no attempt to alter or personalize the art. This is not blind obedience, but deep respect: by repeating correct forms, the body absorbs structure, timing, posture, and spirit. In martial arts, Shu builds safety, discipline, and humility. The ego is quiet, and trust in the lineage is essential. Foundations are laid here, and skipping Shu weakens everything that follows.

Ha (破) — To Break / Detach
Ha begins when the student starts to understand why things work. The forms are no longer copied mechanically; they are tested, compared, and adapted. The practitioner may study other schools, feel variations, and adjust techniques according to context, body type, or situation. This “breaking” does not mean rejecting tradition, but freeing oneself from rigid dependence on it. Mistakes increase, but insight deepens. Ha is a phase of questioning, refinement, and conscious choice.

Ri (離) — To Separate / Transcend
Ri is the stage of natural expression. Technique flows without conscious effort, and form arises spontaneously from principle. The practitioner is no longer bound by styles, yet fully embodies them. Teaching becomes transmission rather than instruction. In Ri, the art is no longer something you do—it is something you are.

Shu–Ha–Ri reminds us that true mastery is a journey from form, through understanding, into freedom.