Ueshiba Morihei
(1883 – 1969)
Founder of Aikido
From the Founder to today’s teachers — a continuous journey of learning and practice.
One of the most influential Aikido teachers, whose approach continues to shape how the art is practiced today.
YAMAGUCHI Seigo (山口 清吾), 9th Dan Aikikai, was one of the most influential instructors at Aikikai Hombu Dojo and served as Head Instructor of Chiyoda-ku Aikikai. Known for his dynamic, fluid movement and profound understanding of Aikido, he left a lasting impact on generations of practitioners worldwide.
Born in 1924 in Fukuoka, Japan, he came of age during World War II. After the war, he began his path in Aikido and, in 1951, officially joined Aikikai Hombu Dojo under Ueshiba Morihei, the Founder of Aikido.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he established himself as a distinguished instructor, teaching both in Japan and abroad, including a period in Burma (Myanmar). He later continued his work at Hombu Dojo, while also leading Chiyoda-ku Aikikai and teaching at Meiji University.
From the 1960s onward, he played a significant role in the international development of Aikido, teaching extensively across Europe and contributing to the growth of Aikido worldwide. His approach emphasized natural movement, sensitivity, and the seamless integration of technique and timing.
Yamaguchi Sensei passed away in 1996, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence Aikido practice around the world.
His teachings continue to live on through the lineage and the practice we carry forward today.
A highly respected Aikido master from Tokyo, who directly guides and supports the development of our dojo.
A highly respected Aikido master with over 60 years of dedicated practice, he serves as President and Head Instructor of Chiyoda-ku Aikikai and Aikido Nerima Sogo Taiikukan Dojo in Tokyo. He is also the guiding figure behind Yuko Shinzen Dojo, regularly visiting Vietnam to lead annual international seminars and support the dojo’s development.
A close disciple of Yamaguchi Seigo Sensei and Arikawa Sadateru Sensei at Aikikai Hombu Dojo, he carries forward a refined and deeply rooted lineage of Aikido. In addition to his Aikido expertise, he is also a practitioner of Shinkage-ryu, one of Japan’s most distinguished traditional sword schools.
His Aikido is known for its fluidity and inner strength, reflecting the true spirit of Budo. Over the decades, he has taught extensively across Europe, America, and Asia, continuing to share and preserve the essence of Aikido for future generations.
Experienced instructors from Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Tokyo, regularly teaching and sharing Aikido internationally.
AIGO Ken’ichiro, 6th Dan Aikikai, is a senior student of Yamashima Takeshi at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Tokyo.
He began practicing Aikido in 1986 under Abe Seiseki, and later trained at Aikido of Madison (USA) and Sumiyoshi Dojo (Osaka) before joining Chiyoda-ku Aikikai in 2003.
With extensive international training experience, he has been actively teaching and sharing Aikido across different dojos worldwide. Since 2016, he has conducted annual seminars at Yuko Shinzen Dojo, contributing significantly to the development of the dojo and its practitioners.
SAKAI Tsuyoshi, 5th Dan Aikikai, is a senior student of Yamashima Takeshi at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Tokyo.
He began practicing Aikido in 1990 under Watanabe Nobuyuki, later training at Kobe Seibukan and Aikikai Queensland (Australia), before joining Chiyoda-ku Aikikai in 2013.
Alongside Aikido, he has pursued classical Japanese martial arts, holding advanced ranks in Muso Shinden-ryu Iaido, Shinto Muso-ryu Jodo, and Shinkage-ryu. His Aikido reflects a strong connection to sword-based principles, integrating empty-hand techniques with traditional weapon arts.
At our dojo, Aikido is not only learned — it is practiced and developed every day through consistent training.
Nhien Le began practicing Aikido in 1995 under Vu Dai Thao at Nguyen Du Dojo, Ho Chi Minh City. He later continued his training at Nguyen Binh Khiem Dojo, where he further developed his foundation before establishing Yuko Shinzen Dojo (formerly Musu Dojo) in 2016.
With nearly three decades of continuous practice, his path has been shaped by long-term dedication and consistent refinement. Actively seeking deeper understanding, he has participated in numerous international seminars and training opportunities.
Since 2018, he has studied directly under Yamashima Takeshi, 8th Dan Aikikai, regularly traveling to Japan for intensive training. This ongoing connection plays a central role in maintaining the technical direction and lineage of Yuko Shinzen Dojo.
As the Dōjō-chō, he leads the development of the dojo’s training program, ensuring that practice remains grounded in discipline, clarity, and respect for the art. His approach emphasizes steady progress, practical understanding, and the long-term cultivation of both technique and character.
A team of dedicated instructors supporting students through every stage of their Aikido journey.
Pham Van Long began his Aikido journey in 1986 at Binh Thanh District Dojo, Ho Chi Minh City, under Vo Hoang Phuong Sensei.
He continued his practice at Musu Dojo from 2016 and officially joined Yuko Shinzen Dojo in 2024. With decades of dedicated training, he brings a deep foundation and steady presence, guiding students in their daily practice with experience and discipline.
Le Quoc Thanh began practicing Aikido in 2013 at Nguyen Binh Khiem Dojo, Ho Chi Minh City.
He joined Yuko Shinzen Dojo in 2023, where he continues to refine his practice. With over a decade of training, he supports students through consistent dedication and a steady approach to learning.
Nguyen Minh Hoang began his Aikido journey in 2012 at the RMIT Aikido Club. He later trained at several dojos in Ho Chi Minh City, including Hoa Lu, District 10, and District 5 Dojo.
In 2023, he joined Yuko Shinzen Dojo, where he continues to refine his practice and deepen his understanding of Aikido.
Huynh Thai Thuan began his Aikido journey in 2001 at Huyen Tran Cong Chua Dojo, Ho Chi Minh City, under Tran Thanh Hiep Sensei.
With over 20 years of dedication, he joined Yuko Shinzen Dojo in early 2024, where he continues to refine his practice and contribute to the dojo.
Mai Nguyen Phuoc began his Aikido journey in early 2023 at Yuko Shinzen Dojo.
He continues to refine his practice, deepen his understanding of the art, and actively support the dojo’s training and activities.