HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF NIHON GOSHIN AIKIDO

Nihon (Japanese) Goshin (Self-Defense) Aikido is a hand-to-hand fighting system, which was founded and developed by a Japanese martial arts master named Shodo Morita. He lived in the city of Chitose, on Japan's northern-most island of Hokkaido where Samuarai traditions of the noble warrior are still held in high regard. The island is one of the few places left in the world today where one can study the martial arts as they have been practiced for years - not just as a physical past time, but as a way of life.

Sensei Richard A. Bowe brought the art to America. He is the U.S. Director of the Nihon Goshin Aikido Association and was recognized as a martial arts pioneer by his peers.

Sensei Steven A. Weber was his highest rank and senior instructor who introduced the art to South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona. After 40 years of training and teaching, Sensei Weber left the association and became the Director of Aikido Academy of America/Nihon Goshin Aikido Federation.

Knowledge and skill in Aikido build self-confidence and self-respect without causing egotistical behavior. When you feel more secure, you are less inclined to show off. You are less inclined to over- or under-react. This calm proficiency seems to emanate from you. It has a quieting effect on your personality and on those around you. Because you are not provocative, others are not either. A less selfish, more harmonious, and balanced pattern of behavior develops.

There is also an emphasis on positive thinking and a concentration of energy. Your total being (mind, body, and emotional spirit) is made to work in the most efficient and effective manner possible. This focus on total mind/body coordination allows us to overcome size, age, and strength limitations. It is also a major factor in reducing stress - particularly when under verbal or physical attack.  

We Aikido practitioners are seeking self-improvement and self-perfection. We know it is an impossible task, but the challenge intrigues us. You have to make the journey yourself to understand what we do.