AdminMalaysia etched its name in the history of Yoshinkan Aikido this National Day–Malaysia Day season by hosting the second Gozo Shioda Legacy Gasshuku (Training Camp), marking two Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) achievements and reaffirming the nation’s place in martial arts heritage.
Following its inaugural edition in Kyoto, Japan, two years ago, this year’s four-day gasshuku, held from August 22 to 25, gathered 150 practitioners from 18 countries for training, workshops, and demonstrations. Organised by Aikido Shudokan Malaysia, led by Ramlan Ortega Shihan, and supported by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) under the leadership of Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of Yoshinkan founder Shioda Gozo Soke.
“This is a proud moment for Malaysia,” said Ramlan, who is also Chief Instructor of Aikido Shudokan Singapore. “To have the world’s most respected Yoshinkan masters and practitioners gather here, in the very country where my late teacher Thamby Rajah Sensei first planted the seeds of Aikido, and to achieve two national records during our National Day–Malaysia Day season, shows that Malaysia is a thriving part of Aikido’s future.”
The milestones recognised by MBR were the “Most Enforcement Officer Participants in an Aikido Shudokan Workshop” and “Most Female Participation in an Aikido Shudokan Workshop.” On August 22, a total of 1,486 enforcement officers trained in Aikido-based restraint and removal techniques. The following day, 1,044 women attended the Women Awareness and Personal Safety Workshop, graced by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
“This workshop is to build confidence, encouraging self-reliance and giving women the skills to stay safe while staying calm,” said Joe Thambu Shihan of Aikido Shudokan International, Australia, nephew of Malaysia’s Aikido pioneer Thamby Rajah.
Honouring Malaysia’s place in Yoshinkan Aikido
The gasshuku also marked a personal milestone as Ramlan Ortega Shihan was awarded his 7th dan by Joe Thambu Shihan, in a presentation witnessed by Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. The achievement not only recognised Ramlan’s lifelong dedication but also cemented Malaysia’s standing within Yoshinkan Aikido’s international lineage.
Some of the art’s most respected masters graced the event, including Jacques Payet Shihan (Aikido Mugenjuku, Japan), Robert Mustard Shihan (Aikido Shobukai, Canada), and Mori Michiharu Shihan (Goshu-Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, Japan).
Malaysia’s Aikido roots trace back to the 1950s through Thamby Rajah, who founded The Shudokan in Seremban in 1961 under the guidance of Shioda Gozo Soke. His work laid the foundation for Malaysia’s recognition in global Aikido circles.
“The torch started by Thamby Rajah Sensei continues to burn brightly in Malaysia,” said Thambu, who has been practising for over 53 years. “Seeing practitioners from across the globe gather here proves that Malaysia holds a special place in Yoshinkan Aikido’s history.”
A celebration of unity, discipline and tradition
The Gozo Shioda Legacy Gasshuku 2025 was officially recognised as part of the Hari Kebangsaan Hari Malaysia (HKHM) 2025 celebrations under the theme Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni.
“Hosting this Legacy Gasshuku during the National Day–Malaysia Day season reflects our nation’s values of unity, discipline and respect, and we are honoured that Aikido Shudokan Malaysia is a strategic partner for HKHM 2025,” said Ramlan.
The public demonstration on August 24 featured masters and students, including children, before closing with a symbolic visit to The Shudokan in Seremban on August 25. “The Gozo Shioda Legacy Gasshuku is about more than training; it is about building life-long bonds in the Yoshinkan Aikido community,” said Jon Marshall Shihan, founder of the Yoshinkan Aikido Fellowship (YAF).
Ramlan concluded with a call to preserve martial arts traditions for future generations. “It is our shared responsibility to nurture and pass on these traditions so that future generations can benefit from their wisdom and values,” he said.
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