One of Ueshiba's outstanding students was Soke Gozo Shioda (born September 9, 1915), who contributed much to bring about the increased popularity that Aikido has enjoyed since World War II. Soke Shioda entered Ueshiba's dojo at the age of 18, and lived and practiced there for eight years; longer than any other student prior to the war. While at Ueshiba's dojo, Soke Shioda practiced "Gyojuzaga", (the four cardinal behaviors (walking, stopping (standing), sitting and lying); daily life) and studied Ueshiba Sensei's daily behavior. He spent all of his time with Ueshiba Sensei, diligently studying Aikido. (Then, also known as Aiki Budo, amoung others)

During World War II, Soke Shioda was sent to Formosa with the Japanese army and, like Ueshiba, was able to utilize the real combat situation to train himself physically and mentally. Shortly after his return to Japan at the end of the war, Soke Shioda left the Master's dojo. His principle concern was the promotion of Aikido, since Aikido had been restricted to special groups of people. Further, in popularizing Aikido, Shioda was showing his gratitude for his Master's kindness.

The tremendous interest in Aikido since World War II dates back to 1954, when, under the auspices of the Life Extension Society, an exhibition of 160 martial arts from all over Japan was held. This was the first time that Aikido had been demonstrated to a large public audience and Soke Shioda's first place performance attracted a great deal of attention from people across Japan. During the next two decades many demonstrations were presented to police forces, army groups, dock workers and others. Much of the support for these activities came from Japanese business.

A year after the competition, with the financial support of businessmen and politicians who wanted to see Aikido spread, Soke Shioda established the Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo; a name that he inherited from his father who owned a Kendo and Judo dojo by that name. "Yo" means cultivating; "shin" means spirit or mind; "kan" means house; thus Yoshinkan is "The house for the cultivation of the mind". Soke Shioda was highly respected all over the world for his attitude toward the Budo disciplines and for his belief in "Wa" (harmony) as a way of life.

Since the Yoshinkan Dojo was founded, many well known persons from Japan and other countries have visited it, such as former U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy and his First Lady (1968), His Highness Prince and Princess Hitachi, Princess Alexandra (1965), then World Boxing champion Mike Tyson and our present Emperor of Japan (1987). They watched Aikido demonstrations for hours and discussed Aikido with Soke Shioda.

In 1989 Soke Shioda, with the assistance of Dr. Fred Haynes and Mr. Mark Baker, began to work towards the creation of the International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation (IYAF). There was a direct need for a federation as the hierarchical structure of Yoshinkan in each country was causing a stagnation. Through the creation of the federation, the Honbu dojo could designate instructors directly. These instructors would have a direct link to the Honbu dojo, strengthening the relationship between individuals and the Honbu dojo and thus freeing the information flow.

By 1990, the IYAF was fully established by Soke Shioda. Mr. Kuranari, the Foreign Minister of Japan, became the president of the IYAF. In June 1990, a steering committee meeting was held in Canada. The highest dan ranked instructors from various countries were represented at this meeting. The meeting played the role of a forum where everyone could come together and exchange ideas and work on a cohesive philosophy for the IYAF under Soke Shioda. The first year was designated as a time of needs analysis and feedback from all Yoshinkan practitioners internationally. Through this process the IYAF bylaws were created. In 1991 the steering committee was dissolved. Mr. Kuranari now holds the only official post and the IYAF is a federation in name and in action.

On July 17, 1994, after 40 years of devotion to Aikido and it's promotion, Soke Gozo Shioda passed away, leaving behind his legacy in a system of Aikido; a Honbu dojo; and a International organization; that is still thriving to this very day across the world.

[This message has been edited by smiranda (edited 04-26-2000).]

[This message has been edited by smiranda (edited 04-28-2000).]