Our Lineage
Kancho Minoru Mochizuki – Founder of Yoseikan Budo
Kancho Minoru Mochizuki (1907–2003) was one of the most accomplished martial artists of the modern era and the founder of Yoseikan Budo.
The Origins of Yoseikan Budo
From a young age, Mochizuki studied a wide range of martial disciplines including Judo, Jujutsu, Karate, and traditional Japanese weapons. His exceptional ability led him to train at the Kodokan under Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo.
Through Kano, Mochizuki was introduced to Morihei Ueshiba and became one of his direct students, later living and training with him as an uchideshi (live-in student). During this time, he developed a deep understanding of Aikido in its early and more dynamic form.
A Single Adaptable Sytem
Mochizuki’s lifelong pursuit of martial excellence led him to integrate multiple disciplines into a single, adaptable system, which became known as Yoseikan Budo.
Mochizuki believed that a martial art should not only build character, but also remain practical and effective in real situations.
His approach combined:
Effective real-world self-defence
Technical precision and adaptability
Physical, mental, and spiritual development
Over more than eight decades of training and teaching, he became one of the most respected martial artists in the world, holding high ranks across multiple disciplines.
At West Coast Aikido, our training is directly influenced by Mochizuki’s vision, preserving a system that is both traditional and highly effective.
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Contact us today to learn more about our classes and schedules. Let’s grow together!
