I have been practicing Shodokan, also known as Tomiki-style, Aikido for approximately five years. My introduction to Aikido came via my experience as a practitioner of various Martial Art styles over the course of 21 years. I first trained in Shotokan Karate, starting at the age of 11, and moved on to more full contact styles such as Kyokushin-kai and World Oyama. Although these arts had much to offer I felt there was something missing and therefore began my martial arts quest with such arts as Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune-Do, Muay Thai, Judo, Kokushi-ryu Jujitsu, Sosuishitsy-ryu and finally culminating with Aikido as the art of my preference.

Aikido is an art that truly captivated my attention. Aikido allows a smaller defender complete control against bigger opponents. It is not an easy martial art to learn, but when one begins to understand its techniques, one can defend from armed, unarmed and multiple attackers. I have competed extensively in Karate, Kickboxing, Jujitsu and Judo but only from Aikido do I get a sense of superiority against any attack. Shodokan Aikido was founded by Kenji Tomiki Shihan, 8th Dan Aikido, 9th Dan Judo. Tomiki Shihan was a first generation student of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido and also a direct student of Jigaro Kano, founder of Judo. Tomiki researched many forms of traditional Jujitsu styles and incorporated many techniques of these classical systems into his Shodokan Aikido.

Today many people when deciding a martial art to study want to learn an effective system of self defense. They also expect immediate results. One thing is for sure, Aikido a very effective self defense art. It is derived from ancient techniques that have been battlefield tested yet offer the option of controlling your opponent without harm. Today many law enforcement agencies and elite combat teams employ the devastating techniques utilized in Aikido even though their purpose differs. Aikido cannot be absorbed in a couple of classes, it takes time to learn.

I studied and have been certified in all of the styles above mentioned, but Aikido has truly captivated me and in this case Shodokan Aikido is what I highly recommend. Shodokan Aikido includes competition which allows the student to test their Aikido techniques under stress. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to seeing or hearing from you.

Alex Izaguirre