Tomiki Aikido

Professor Kenji Tomiki, one of Morihei Uyeshiba's most promising students, introduced "randori aikido" in 1964 so that students could make their techniques more effective through "free-play." Tomiki aikido has, in one sense, developed into a sport which could perhaps lose much of its original meaning, but by making it possible to hold competitions, many young people have been encouraged to participate. It is the hope of Professor Tomiki that once they become interested in the sporting side of the art, they will grow to appreciate the deeper spiritual aspect of aikido.