WOMEN IN AIKIDO
Because Aikido doesn’t rely on size but rather on balance, timing and technique, it is an effective art for women and those of smaller stature.
Gozo Shioda - the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido - was himself only 50kg, but this proved no obstacle to him developing phenomenally powerful Aikido and rising to the rank of 10th Dan (the highest rank ever awarded).
Aikido does not rely on size
“As you get older, your muscles weaken, and you can no longer lift and pull. In the end there’s a limit to physical strength, no matter how you build it up...
...unlimited strength comes from breath power...
...there is no need for any effort”
- Gozo Shioda
“It comes down to shifting you balance quickly, moving your hands, feet, and hips as one.”
- Gozo Shioda