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Gozo Shiodo Kancho-Sensei

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Ueshiba's most outstanding student was Gozo Shioda (1915-1994). It was he who contributed much to bring about the increased popularity that Aikido has enjoyed since the war. This was especially so in the immediate post was years when the son of O-Sensei ceased any Aikido activities for several years and later came to train with Shioda Sensei and Saito Sensei.

Shioda entered Ueshiba's dojo at the age of 18, and lived and practiced there for eight years. Because he stayed at the dojo longer than any other student, and at a time of Ueshiba's greatest health and vigor, Shioda learned to sense the ways of the Master's mind and spirit.

In recognition of Shioda's progress, Ueshiba was to award him 9th Dan, the highest rank given by Ueshiba to any of his student's, plus his "Master" instructor's license.

Gozo Shioda Sensei's style of Aikido is known as Yoshinkan, a name that he inherited from his father who owned a Kendo and Judo dojo by that name. Yo means cultivating; Shin means spirit of mind; and Kan means house; thus Yoshinkan is the house for the cultivation of spirit and mind.

During the mid and late 1950's, having established the post-war position of Aikido in Japan, Gozo Shioda Sensei assisted Kissamaru Ueshiba in re-establishing the Aikido program at Ueshiba's dojo in Tokyo. From the early 1960's onwards Gozo Shioda Sensei then principally applied himself to developing the teaching program and uchideshi system at his Yoshinkan School and at dojos (primarily police and company schools in Japan). During this time the Aikikai Honbu dojo of Kissamaru was active in fostering the growth of Aikido overseas.

Gozo Shioda Sensei was respected the world over for his attitude toward the Budo disciplines and for his belief in Wa (Harmony) as a way of life. He remained involved in the teaching activities at the Yoshinkan Honbu until the time of his death.