San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

 

Place:  Aikido Center of San Francisco

Address:  1755 Laguna Street, San Francisco

   

 

 

Visual Description: 

The Aikido Center of San Francisco specializes in Aikido, a modern martial art form that was developed in Japan in the early 20th century.  In Japanese, Aikido means “the way of harmony with the force and principle of nature,” and integrates self-defense techniques with traditional elements of Zen Buddhism.  Typical training sessions include a combination of physical training (combat routines, throw techniques, weapons) and spiritual training (meditation, breathing exercises).  Aikido lessons are given roughly six days a week, Monday through Saturday, and last roughly forty-five minutes to an hour per session.  The Aikido Center currently serves roughly forty adults from around the Bay Area, as well as 4-5 children who are enrolled in beginner courses. In accordance with one of the core principles of Aikido, which is the elimination of egoism, competition and sparring are strictly prohibited.

 

History:

The Aikido Center of San Francisco officially opened in 1975, and has been operating for thirty years under Head Instructor Hideki Shiohira, a sixth degree black belt.  Sensei Shiohira graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo and has trained with several leaders of the art since, including Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the official founder of Aikido.  For the first ten years of its existence, the Aikido Dojo moved through several locations around San Francisco before finally settling in Japantown at the bottom floor of 1755 Laguna.  The Dojo also performs Aikido demonstrations at various events around Japantown, including the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April.  Most of the lessons are headed and run by Head Instructor Shiohira, but two of his top students assist him during instruction.

 

Significance: 

Cultural, Educational, Social

 

Recognition of Significance: 

25th Anniversary commemorated by City & Country of San Francisco, 2000

 

Sources: 

Hideki Shiohira Sensei, founder, head instructor, Aikido Center

 

Other Comments: 

Sensei Shiohira also operates another Aikido Dojo in Mountain View, located in the southern Bay Area.

 

 

Prepared By: Hideki Shiohira                                      Date Prepared:  11/19/04