Judo and Kendo are well known for including competitive practices and, as an extension, competitions. Competitive aikido is less well known but is equal to both as a contemporary budo from historical, technical and educational viewpoints.

It was created by Kenji Tomiki (1900-1979) incorporating the techniques that where excluded from competitive judo. His hard work and research in the latter years of his life concluded in the creation of a systematic practice method for randori (competitive practice within the limits of certain rules)within aikido.

This practice system is described here in detail along with an explanation of the underlying principles and a clarification of the historical and theoretical foundations of competitive aikido.

The result is a detailed work of reference to benefit your randori practice but witch will also improve your level of kata (practice of prearranged techniques) and give you a deeper insight into aikido in general.

Tetsuro Nariyama is the Chief Technical Director of the Japan Aikido Association (JAA). His dojo is Shodokan, the JAA central dojo located in Osaka. He also instructs in other clubs in Japan particularly in the universities, He began teaching overseas in 1982 and regularly holds seminars in Europe, USA and Australia.