Aikido was founded in Japan by Morihei Uyeshiba (1883-1969).
Many of the techniques which are found in Aikido can be dated back more than 700 years to the Genji and the Heike periods,Uyeshiba developed Aikido from studies in Jujutsu at the kito daito and shinkage schools.
Aikido therefore followed a similar line of development to Judo,Karate and Kendo all being derived from earlier arts.
One of Uyeshibas most promising pupils was Kenji Tomiki (1900-1979), Tomiki was a keen judo man from an early age, and as part of his interest in martial arts and physical education, in 1927 he went to train under Uyeshiba.
Tomiki achieved an 8th Dan and was awarded this by Uyeshiba himself.
Tomiki Aikido synthesizes the underlying foundation laid down by Morihei Uyeshiba, taking techniques from the tradtional arts, but adds the additional advantages of improved teaching methods in the form of katas or teaching sequences, it utilizes a physical education approach more acceptable to european enthusiasts, plus an opertunity to test skills during competition.
Aikido is a mix of many martial arts built around techniques unique to its self.
