![]() | This article possibly contains original research. (August 2024) |
Shoji Nishio | |
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![]() Shoji Nishio in Århus, Denmark 1984 | |
Born | Aomori Prefecture, Japan | December 5, 1927
Died | March 15, 2005 Tokyo, Japan | (aged 77)
Native name | 西尾 昭二 |
Other names | Ai Do In Bu Yo Sho Gaku Yu Ko Ko Ji[1] (posthumous Dharma name) |
Style | Aikido, Iaido |
Teacher(s) | Morihei Ueshiba, Kyuzo Mifune, Yasuhiro Konishi, Shigenori Sano |
Rank | 8th Dan Aikikai, 7th Dan Iaido, 6th Dan Judo, 5th Dan Karate |
Shoji Nishio (西尾 昭二, Nishio Shōji, December 5, 1927 – March 15, 2005) was a Japanese aikido practitioner and innovator. He held the rank of 8th dan shihan from the Aikikai. He was a student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and practiced along with Seigo Yamaguchi and Hiroshi Tada.[2] He achieved multiple high ranking honors in other martial arts, most notably Iaido, Judo, Karate.[3][4][5][1]
Nishio developed his Aikido style based on his understanding of Ueshiba's teaching and experience with other martial arts. His style has been described by practitioners as dynamic, natural and effective.[6][7] The uniqueness of his style compared to other Aikido styles is the integration of the sword principles into Aikido techniques.[8]
His approach to martial art is demonstrated by the creation of a new school of iaido, the introduction of koshinage, and a different interpretation of classical budo concept. Some emphases of his Aikido style include the importance of acknowledgement of opposition, weapon techniques, natural stance, and atemi. Nishio's contributions to Aikido extended beyond technical aspects as he played a significant role in the art's international development. He left a lasting impact through his teachings, publications, and the worldwide propagation of his style. It is taught in 19 countries in Europe, America, Asia, South East Asia and Australia.[9][10] He was honored by the Japanese Budo Federation with the Budo Kyoryusho award (2003) for his contribution to Aikido's development and global reach.[1]