Shinkawakan Dojo

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that translates into English as “the Way of Harmony,” (Ai) Harmony, (Ki) Energy, and (Do) Way or Path. Aikido derives from ancient Japanese martial disciplines that focused on the striking, grappling, disarming, and weapons arts. Aikido emphasizes dynamic motion, maintaining a centered and balanced posture, while blending with the opponent's energy. As a result, properly executed techniques are applied with minimal strength. For this reason, Aikido can be practiced by both men and women, young and the more age experienced - if you can walk, you can practice Aikido!

O'sensei Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) developed Aikido through a lifetime of training in the Samurai arts. O’sensei studied multiple martial forms, including Yagyū Shingan Ryū Taijutsu and Daitō-ryū Aikijūjutsu, among others including Kenjutsu and Jojutsu. Ueshiba sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of martial training with significant focus given on developing personal character and cultivating harmony and peace between adversaries.

Gozo Shioda sensei (1915-1994) trained for many years as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) under O'sensei where he became one of Ueshiba's most accomplished students.  During his training, Shioda sensei came to understand Aikido as Budo - an art of harmony and self-cultivation. After WWII, Shioda sensei opened his own dojo, the Yoshinkan, in the spirit of his father. The Yoshinkan style of Aikido was then developed to translate the principles and teachings of Aikido into actual practice. 

The Shioda International Aikido Federation (SIAF) was founded by Yasuhisa Shioda, the third son of Gozo Shioda sensei.

SIAF Instructor Masahiro Shioda sensei is the 3rd son of Yasuhisa Shioda and a grandson of Gozo Shioda sensei. Masahiro Shioda Sensei now follows his father's mission to disseminate Aikido to people all over the world through the SIAF.

The Shinkawakan Dojo was formed in late 2023 as an officially registered dojo with the SIAF. The Japanese writing of Shinkawakan translates in "the House of the River's Spirit". A river is a powerful force that blends and maneuvers around obstacles and continues advancing on its respective path. This dojo name is fitting both to describe Aikido movement and because our dojo is located near the St. Croix River!

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