|
Hokkaido, Japan
dojo. The men in suits are Shodo
Morita (left) and Tominosuke
Nara (right). Richard
Bowe, the only American
in the group, is standing far
right.
|
Master
Shodo Morita founded the art of
Nihon Goshin Aikido. He was
trained by Yoshiro Kitaro, an
instructor of Daito ryu Aikijitsu.
Master Kitaro also trained in
his family's system of self-defense.
In addition to training in Daito
ryu, Master Morita trained in
Judo, Kobudo (weapons), Karate,
and the esoteric arts. After mastering
these arts, Master Morita realized
that although they were highly
effective, no single style was
complete. Each art focused on
a separate element of self-defense:
The karate arts focused on striking.
The judo arts focused on throwing.
The jujitsu arts focused on joint
locks.
Master Morita incorporated principles
and techniques of each system
into a new system called Nihon
Goshin Aikido. It is significant
to note that he did not merely
choose the best techniques from
each system, but a variety of
techniques, recognizing that what
works well for one person may
not be effective for a second
person due to height differences.
Nihon Goshin Aikido is a highly
effective form of martial arts
due to its variety of principles. |
