The Grandmaster

Master Hiroo Mochizuki was born in Shizuoka, Japan in 1936. As the son of one of the greatest masters of modern Japanese martial arts, Minoru Mochizuki Hiroo was exposed to the martial arts at an early age. In addition to studying with his father, Hiroo also studied with Masters Michihara (Shotokan), Ostuka (Wado Ryu), and Ueshiba (Aikido). In addition to these arts Master Hiroo has extensive experience in Boxing, Kickboxing and various Chinese martial arts. Master Hiroo currently holds the rank of 9th Dan in Karate, 8th Dan in Aikido, 8th Dan in Jujitsu, 7th Dan in Kobudo, 7th Dan in Iaido, and 3rd Dan in Judo. He was appointed Soke (Grand Master) of Yoseikan Budo by his father in 1992.

The Founder

Minoru Mochizuki was born in Shizuoka Japan in 1907 and started his budo career at the youthful age of five. His martial studies were eclectic even as a youth and before the age of nineteen he had studied judo, kendo, and a classical school of jujitsu called Gyokushin-ryu which would later serve as the inspiration for Yoseikan's hallmark sutemi waza.

In 1926 Mochizuki joined the Kodokan to pursue his love of judo. In less than three years he was promoted to sandan, which was quite the accomplishment and proof of his dedication and exceptional talent. It was during this time that Mochizuki came to the attention of Kyuso Mifune who accepted the young man as an uchi deishi or live in student.

Professor Kano, Judo's founder also took note of Mochizuki's spirit and asked him to join a section of the Kodokan dedicated to the study of classical budo. It was in this environment that Mochizuki gained exposure to a large number of martial traditions such as Katori Shinto Ryu, Shotokan Karate, and most importantly the Daito-Ryu Aikijujitsu of Morihei Ueshiba.

Mochizuki was sent by Professor Kano to study with Ueshiba as a uchi deishi and although he was with Ueshiba only a short time before being forced to return home due to illness. He was awarded two teaching certificates and maintained friendly contacts with Aikido's founder until Ueshiba's passing in 1969.

After recovering from his illness Mochizuki began teaching in his own dojo called the Yoseikan which translates to roughly "House where the truth is taught". After many years of study in a variety of disciplines Mochizuki had come to the understanding that a martial art has to encompass many different skills to be truly effective against all opponents. Because of this insight, Mochizuki's system called Yoseikan Budo incorporates striking, throwing, joint manipulation, strangulations, ground work and a wide variety of weapons. By having a strong understanding in these areas a student of Yoseikan would be best equipped to handle a large variety of self defense situations.

Mochizuki also spread the Japanese martial arts to many countries. In France, he was the first to demonstrate Aikido and Judo. He also taught seminars in many countries including Australia, Canada and the United States.

In his later years, Mochizuki continued to teach at his dojo in Shizuoka which was guest to many martial artists from all over the globe. He eventually relocated to France to live with his son Hiroo Mochizuki, to whom he passed control of the Yoseikan system in 1992. Sadly, Minoru Mochizuki passed away in 2003 leaving the world of martial arts lessened by his passing.