Shoji Nishio

was a Japanese aikido practitioner and innovator. He held the rank of 8th dan shihan from the Aikikai. He also achieved multiple high ranking honors in other martial arts from different lineages, most notably Iaido, Judo, Karate.

Nishio developed his Aikido style based on his understanding of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba's teaching and experience with other martial arts. His style has been described by practitioners as dynamic, natural and effective. The uniqueness of his style compared to other Aikido styles is the integration of the sword principles and atemi mechanics into Aikido techniques.

His contributions to martial art includes the creation of a new school of iaido, the introduction of aikido koshinage, different mechanical interpretations of classical budo concepts, among others. Some emphases of his Aikido style include the importance of acknowledgement of opposition, weapon techniques, atemi, and natural stance.

Nishio's role to Aikido extended beyond technical aspects as he played a significant part in the art's international expansion. 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. He was honored by the Japanese Budo Federation with the Budo Kyoryusho award (2003) for his contribution to Aikido's development and global reach. Provided by Wikipedia