“Gozo Shioda, the ‘little giant’ of Aikido named for his diminutive height and formidable technical ability, was one of the most outstanding teachers of Aikido, living or dead.”

"Anyone who had the privilege of seeing him in action effortlessly flooring opponents at least twice his size, with the precision and timing of true mastery, could not fail to witness the graceful power of Aikido.” Paul Wildish (1998)

Shioda Sensei, the son of a paediatrician and medical academic, began training with Ueshiba Sensei at the Kobukan in 1932. Already a 3rd Dan in Judo, Shioda Sensei became one of Ueshiba Sensei’s Uchi Deschi (live in students) and continued learning Aikido from Ueshiba Sensei until the outbreak of World War II when his military service interrupted his training.

After the war was over, Shioda Sensei returned for a period to train with Ueshiba Sensei at the Iwama dojo, until he was invited to begin teaching himself. In 1956 Shioda Sensei established the Yoshinkan (named after his father’s dojo where he began his martial training).

Shioda Sensei was responsible for setting up the Senshusei program (as described in Robert Twigger’s book 'Angry White Pyjamas') and was awarded his 9th Dan in 1961 by O’Sensei himself. His 10th Dan was awarded in 1985 from the International Budo Federation.

Like Ueshiba Sensei, Shioda Sensei continued teaching and developing Yoshinkan Aikido until he passed away in 1994.