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Aikido and Tokyo Metropolitan Police
Martial arts training stands as a cornerstone within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department 警視庁, serving as a pivotal element in the physical and mental preparation of police officers entering the demanding realm of law enforcement. At the Metropolitan Police Academy 警察学校, martial arts form a compulsory subject, with cadets dedicating at least an hour each day to training. While both men and women share this training requirement, they have the flexibility to choose different disciplines based on their individual preferences and perceived benefits. Male police officers often opt for Judo 柔道 or Kendo 剣道, disciplines that emphasize grappling techniques, striking maneuvers, and mental resilience. Conversely, female officers have the added…
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The Rare Beauty of Aikido in Japanese Manga
The popularity of Japanese manga, or comics, has surged globally, largely due to their distinct storytelling, art style, and cultural significance. One popular genre of manga is martial arts, which spotlights the art of combat and various fighting styles. Numerous manga series have been created based on different martial arts, such as Karate, Judo, Kendo, Sumo, Kung Fu, Boxing and MMA. However, manga with Aikido as their primary storyline is rare. Evil Heart is one of the few popular Aikido manga series. It is a drama telling the story of Masaki Umeo, a high schooler with a bad temper who encounters an English teacher from Canada, who is also an…
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Gozo Shioda: The “Unworldly Budoka” and his Yoshinkan Aikido
Gozo Shioda 塩田 剛三 was a prominent aikido master and the founder of the Yoshinkan style of aikido. Despite his small stature, standing at 154cm and weighing 46 kg, he is known as the “Unworldly Budoka” 不世出の武道家 in Japan. Shioda was born on September 9, 1915, in Tokyo, Japan. His early exposure to martial arts included Kendo and Judo, in which he excelled, achieving a 3rd dan in Judo during secondary school. His proficiency instilled confidence in his martial art skills. In 1932, doubts arose as he observed Ueshiba and his disciples practicing Aikido, questioning its authenticity. Ueshiba himself noticed Shioda’s uncertainty and invited him for a personal practice session.…
