Aikido vs. Sport Aikido: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Competition in Martial Arts
Sport Aikido (合気道), also referred to as Shodokan Aikido or Tomiki Aikido, represents a particular style within the realm of Aikido. It was developed by Kenji Tomiki (富木 謙治), and its origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Waeseda University club in 1958.
Kenji Tomiki, an esteemed figure in the realm of martial arts, embarked on his journey in Judo around 1909, marking the onset of his profound engagement with the discipline. His unwavering dedication led him to achieve the rank of 1st Dan black belt in 1919. Subsequently, in 1924, he commenced his training at the renowned Kokodan Judo Institute, under the teachings of none other than Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo.
In the year 1926, Kenji Tomiki had an encounter with Morihei Ueshiba. Captivated by Ueshiba’s unparalleled technique and distinctive style, Tomiki seized the opportunity to study under his tutelage, thus emerging as one of Ueshiba’s early disciples. This encounter marked a significant turning point in Tomiki’s martial arts journey, as he immersed himself in the teachings and practices of Aikido under the guidance of the esteemed Sensei.
Following his extensive practice in both Aikido and Judo, Kenji Tomiki discerned a notable absence of competitive elements within Aikido and sought to rectify this disparity. Tomiki’s endeavor to transform Aikido into a sport, however, created a division between him and Morihei Ueshiba, as well as the Aikikai community (aikido practitioners), during that period. Encouraged by the Aikikai, Tomiki was advised to select an alternative name for his art, diverging from the term “Aikido,” should he wish to introduce a system of competition. Driven by his conviction to modernize Aikido, Tomiki remained resolute, pursuing the development of a viable framework for competitive practice.
In the present day, the landscape of Aikido in Japan is characterized by the presence of two prominent organisations. The first is the Shodokan Aikido Federation, under the leadership of Nariyama Shihan. The second organization is the Japanese Aikido Association, led by Shishida Shihan. Notably, both Nariyama Shihan and Shishida Shihan were bestowed with the title of Shihan, denoting their expertise and seniority, by Kenji Tomiki himself prior to his passing in 1979. These two organizations continue to carry forward the legacy of Shodokan Aikido, each with their own distinct approach and contributions to the art.
Sport Aikido continues to thrive in the contemporary world, with numerous organisations dedicated to its practice spread across the globe. Noteworthy among these are the British Aikido Association, Tomiki Aikido of the Americas, and Sport Aikido Ireland, among others. Serving as the primary global governing body for Sport Aikido today is the Worldwide Sport Aikido Federation (WSAF). This federation plays a pivotal role in fostering the development, promotion, and standardization of Sport Aikido on an international scale, ensuring its growth and recognition among practitioners worldwide.
The Worldwide Sport Aikido Federation (WSAF) organizes and hosts world championships biannually, serving as a significant platform for showcasing the prowess and skills of Sport Aikido practitioners. At the time of writing, the next world championships are scheduled to occur in July, set against the backdrop of Nara Prefecture, Japan. This highly anticipated event will gather participants from around the globe, providing them with a unique opportunity to compete, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the spirit of Sport Aikido on an international stage.
In addition to the global World Championships organised by the Worldwide Sport Aikido Federation (WSAF), various national organisations, such as the British Aikido Association (BAA), conduct annual competitions within their respective countries. The BAA, for instance, consistently holds a national competition every year, offering practitioners a chance to showcase their skills and seek recognition at a national level. Moreover, a British Open competition, unrestricted by affiliation, typically takes place once a year, welcoming participation from clubs regardless of their affiliations. These national competitions serve as valuable platforms for practitioners of Sport Aikido to demonstrate their abilities, engage in friendly competition, and foster camaraderie within the Aikido community at a national level.
In conclusion, Aikido stands as a vibrant and ever-evolving sport, consistently adapting to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its practitioners. A spirit of cooperation prevails among Aikido organizations, fostering an environment where the sport remains enjoyable for all while maintaining a competitive edge. Modern Aikido competitions now encompass a diverse range of events tailored to suit the preferences of participants. These include Randori, which focuses on the competitive aspect of Aikido, as well as Team Randori, where teams of three compete against each other, with the best out of three fights advancing to the next round. Additionally, a wide array of Kata events, centered around demonstrations of technique and skill, further enrich the competitive landscape of Aikido. Through these varied events, Aikido provides opportunities for practitioners of all backgrounds and preferences to engage in the sport, fostering growth, camaraderie, and the continued evolution of Aikido as a dynamic martial art.
