Ueshiba Morihei
(植芝 盛平, 1883 – 1969)
Founder of Aikido
Ueshiba Morihei
(植芝 盛平, 1883 – 1969)
Founder of Aikido
YAMAGUCHI Seigo Sensei (1924–1996) was a 9th Dan Aikikai instructor and Head Instructor of Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, known for his fluid and dynamic approach to Aikido. A key teacher at Aikikai Hombu Dojo, he influenced generations of aikidoka in Japan and around the world. His unique interpretation of Aikido continues to inspire practitioners today.
YAMAGUCHI Seigo Sensei (山口 清吾) was a 9th Dan Aikikai instructor, Head Instructor of Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, and one of the most influential teachers at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Known for his dynamic, fluid movements and profound understanding of Aikido principles, he left a lasting impact on generations of aikidoka worldwide.
Born on April 13, 1924, in Fukuoka, Japan, Yamaguchi Sensei came of age during the turbulence of World War II. As a young officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy, he was a submarine personnel for a planned suicide mission. However, the war ended before his deployment, allowing him to embark on a very different path – one that would shape the future of Aikido.
In 1950, he was introduced to Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of Aikido, and soon after, in 1951, he officially joined Aikikai Hombu Dojo. He quickly established himself as a distinguished instructor, known for his innovative approach that blended traditional Aikido with an acute sense of distance, timing, and adaptability.
In 1958, Yamaguchi Sensei was sent to Burma (now Myanmar) to teach Aikido to the military. After returning to Japan in 1961, he resumed his role at Aikikai Hombu Dojo, while also serving as Head Instructor of Chiyoda-ku Aikikai and teaching at the Aikido club of Meiji University.
Beyond Japan, Yamaguchi Sensei made a significant international impact, particularly in France, where he taught annually until 1995, fostering a strong Aikido community. His approach emphasized effortless movement, sensitivity to an opponent’s energy, and a seamless blend of offense and defense, setting him apart as one of Aikido’s most respected masters.
On January 24, 1996, Yamaguchi Sensei passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of Aikido. Though he is no longer with us, his teachings continue to inspire and guide practitioners around the world.
In deep remembrance of Yamaguchi Seigo Sensei—an extraordinary teacher, a true martial artist, and a timeless embodiment of Aikido.
The Advisory Council of Yuko Shinzen Dojo, led by Yamashima Sensei, comprises esteemed Aikido masters who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the dojo. Their guidance upholds the values of discipline, harmony, and excellence, ensuring the continuous growth and integrity of our martial arts community.
YAMASHIMA Takeshi Sensei, 8th Dan Aikikai, is a highly respected Aikido master with a profound influence on the international Aikido community. He currently serves as the President and Head Instructor of Chiyoda-ku Aikikai and Aikido Nerima Sogo Taiikukan Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, he holds the esteemed position of Chair of the Advisory Council at Yuko Shinzen Dojo, Vietnam, where he conducts an annual international seminar, sharing his deep knowledge and expertise in Aikido.
With over 60 years of dedication to Aikido, YAMASHIMA Sensei was a close disciple of YAMAGUCHI Seigo Sensei and ARIKAWA Sadateru Sensei, both renowned masters at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Beyond Aikido, YAMASHIMA Sensei is also a master of Shinkage-ryu, one of Japan’s most distinguished traditional sword schools, demonstrating his comprehensive and profound martial expertise.
His Aikido style is recognized for its graceful fluidity combined with immense inner strength, embodying the true spirit of Budo. YAMASHIMA Sensei has traveled throughout Europe, America, and Asia for decades, tirelessly sharing his deep knowledge and experience with Aikido practitioners worldwide.
More than just an exceptional master, YAMASHIMA Sensei is a dedicated mentor and an inspiring figure, encouraging future generations to explore the depth of Aikido and Shinkage-ryu as a lifelong journey of self-improvement and discipline. In this pursuit, he remains committed to preserving, developing, and sharing Aikido in its purest form as originally taught by Founder Morihei Ueshiba, ensuring that the profound legacy of Japanese martial arts continues to thrive.
AIGO Ken’ichiro Sensei, 6th Dan Aikikai, is a senior student of Yamashima Takeshi Sensei at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Tokyo.
He began his Aikido journey in 1986 during high school under Abe Seiseki Sensei. His training continued at Aikido of Madison (USA) and Sumiyoshi Dojo (Osaka) before joining Chiyoda-ku Aikikai in 2003.
With extensive experience training at dojos worldwide, Aigo Sensei actively shares his knowledge and insights, making a meaningful impact on the global Aikido community. Since 2016, he has been conducting annual seminars at Yuko Shinzen Dojo (formerly Musu Dojo), where he continues to support and inspire local practitioners.
SAKAI Tsuyoshi Sensei, 5th Dan Aikikai, is a senior student of Yamashima Takeshi Sensei at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Tokyo.
His martial arts journey is deeply rooted in both Aikido and classical Japanese weapon arts. He began practicing Aikido in 1990 under Watanabe Nobuyuki Sensei, later refining his skills at Kobe Seibukan and Aikikai Queensland in Australia. In 2013, he joined Chiyoda-ku Aikikai to deepen his practice under Yamashima Sensei further.
Since 2018, he has dedicated himself to refining his expertise and holds a high ranking in Muso Shinden-ryu Iaido, Shinto Muso-ryu Jodo, and Shinkage-ryu. His approach to Aikido is deeply rooted in the principles of swordsmanship, reflecting a lifelong pursuit of harmony between unarmed techniques and traditional weapon arts.
The Training Committee of Yuko Shinzen Dojo, under the leadership of Nhien Sensei, the Dōjō-chō, is committed to cultivating a rigorous and enriching training environment. With a team of dedicated instructors, the committee upholds the core values of discipline, harmony, and technical proficiency, ensuring that every practitioner receives quality instruction and guidance on their martial arts journey.
Nhien Sensei embarked on his Aikido journey in 1995 under the mentorship of Vu Dai Thao Sensei at 116 Nguyen Du Dojo, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and later continued his training at Nguyen Binh Khiem Dojo before founding Yuko Shinzen Dojo (formerly Musu Dojo) in 2016. Over the past 30 years, his path has been defined by unwavering dedication—not only to training but also to continuous learning and refinement. Seeking a deeper understanding of Aikido, he has actively participated in numerous international seminars, gaining invaluable insightsfrom distinguished masters across Europe and Japan.
Since 2019, as part of this pursuit, Nhien Sensei has had the honor of studying directly under Yamashima Takeshi Sensei, 8th Dan Aikikai, a highly respected international Aikido master. Each year, he travels to Japan for intensive training at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai and trains annually with Yamashima Sensei during his international seminar at Yuko Shinzen Dojo, continuously refining his skills under Yamashima Sensei’s meticulous guidance and mentorship.
Fueled by a profound passion for Aikido, Nhien Sensei is committed to preserving the spirit of Budo, inspiring students, and nurturing the growth of Aikido in Vietnam. Staying true to the principles set forth by Founder Ueshiba Morihei, he remains dedicated to a lifelong path of training, learning, and contribution.
LONG Sensei has been practicing Aikido for nearly 40 years, beginning his journey in 1986 at Binh Thanh District Dojo, Ho Chi Minh City, under the guidance of Vo Hoang Phuong Sensei. His dedication to the art has led him to continuously refine his skills and deepen his understanding over the decades.
In 2016, he deepened his experience by training at Yuko Shinzen Dojo (formerly Musu Dojo), further enriching his understanding of Aikido. Building on this foundation, he officially joined the dojo in 2024, where he continues to share his knowledge and guide students, while staying true to the principles of harmony and discipline that define Aikido.
THANH Sensei began practicing Aikido in 2013 at Nguyen Binh Khiem Dojo, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, under the mentorship of Nhien Sensei. Over the past 10+ years, he has remained dedicated to training, refining his skills, and deepening his understanding of Aikido.
With a strong desire for further growth, he joined Yuko Shinzen Dojo in early 2023, where he continues to expand his knowledge, contribute to the dojo’s development, and inspire fellow practitioners on their Aikido journey.
THUAN Sensei began his Aikido journey in 2001 at Huyen Tran Cong Chua Dojo, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, under the guidance of Tran Thanh Hiep Sensei.
Over the past 20+ years, he has remained dedicated to Aikido, continuously refining his skills and deepening his understanding of the art. In early 2024, he joined Yuko Shinzen Dojo, further committing to his path of training, learning, and contributing to the growth of Aikido.
Yuko Shinzen Dojo is highly regarded for its rich Aikido tradition, comprehensive training curriculum, welcoming community, holistic approach to personal development, and a focus on applying Aikido principles to everyday life.
The dojo is deeply rooted in authentic Aikido traditions, providing students with genuine techniques and philosophy.
The dojo is deeply rooted in authentic Aikido traditions, providing students with genuine techniques and philosophy.
With a clear learning path, from beginner to advanced levels, every student can progress at their own pace.
Beyond physical training, the dojo emphasizes mental discipline, fostering focus, self-control, and confidence.
A welcoming training environment where students share experiences and support each other in their journey.
Lessons go beyond technical practice, teaching students how to apply Aikido in daily life, manage conflicts, and achieve balance.
