AIKIJUTSU

GOSHINKAN

1947–2025

Dr. Simon Darakhvelidze: The Founder of Aikijutsu Goshinkan

Some schools are founded by technique. Others are born from a life.

Sensei Simon Darakhvelidze  was a physician, scientist, orthopedic surgeon, and master of budō. In him, the healing art of medicine and the discipline of the martial path were joined into one life of service, precision, and dignity.

His name is inseparable from Sokhumi, where on September 10, 1977, he founded the first Karate-dō group and opened a new chapter in Georgian martial arts. Through Shitō-ryū, his study with Sato Tetsuo Sensei and Iwata  Manzo Sensei , and his engagement with aiki arts, aikidō, and modern budō, he gradually shaped the foundations of Goshinkan.

Yet his legacy was not formed only in the dojo. It was formed through medicine, teaching, service, loss, endurance, and the duty to protect life. For Sensei Darakhvelidze, budō was not aggression or display. It was discipline of body and spirit, the courage to stand firm, and the responsibility to remain human under pressure.

Goshinkan remembers its Founder as a man whose life united knowledge, strength, compassion, and unwavering principle.

Discover the life, discipline, and legacy of the Founder of Goshinkan.

Learn More

1977

Pioneering Budo in Georgia

On September 10, 1977, Dr. Simon Darakhvelidze launched the first Karate-do Shito-ryu school in Sokhumi. He brought a new level of technical precision and structural discipline to the region, laying the cornerstone for what would eventually become the Goshinkan system.

1994

Global Synthesis

During 1994-97, the founder lived Ukraine and traveled extensively through various foreign countries, training under diverse masters to master the complexities of different Martial Arts. This era of external study provided the technical components necessary to evolve the school’s combat philosophy.

1997

Tbilisi Headquarters

The school’s center of gravity shifted to the capital, where the Aikijutsu Goshinkan system was officially inaugurated. This milestone marked the formal union of diverse martial traditions into a singular, scientifically-driven methodology of movement.

2025

Eternal Legacy

The passing of Sensei Simon Darakhvelidze on 11 May 2025 brought a profound loss, but his foundational legacy remains unshaken. He left a highly resilient organizational system and a definitive philosophical methodology to guide the school’s martial lineage.

2026

Modern Succession

A new chapter opened as leadership passed to Soke Irakli Gunia. Under his guidance, the school continues to evolve, ensuring that the founder’s standards of precision and resilience are preserved for the next generation of practitioners.

Aikijutsu Goshinkan is an evolution of resilience, science, and the warrior spirit.  

Aikijutsu Goshinkan Dojo

The House of Five Spirits

Aikijutsu Goshinkan — 五神館 合気術 is a living school of budō where tradition is not preserved as memory alone, but tested through disciplined practice. Its training joins precise technique, controlled strength, etiquette, partner responsibility, and inner composure into one path. In the dojo, the student learns to move with center, receive pressure without panic, act without arrogance, and carry dignity beyond the tatami. Goshinkan is not built around display or violence; it is a school of form, restraint, courage, and responsibility — a place where martial practice becomes a way of shaping the whole person.

Learn More

BEGIN YOUR TRAINING TODAY

EARTH

Stability and Foundations: Basic stances, footwork, structure, and understanding the core fundamentals of the art.

VOID

The Ultimate Mindset: The state of “Mushin” (no-mind). Pure spontaneity, acting without conscious thought, and complete spiritual mastery.

WATER

Fluidity and Adaptability: Being flexible, changing form according to the opponent, and flowing smoothly between techniques.

FIRE

Aggression and Timing: Speed, explosive power, driving forward, and taking the initiative in combat.

WIND

Tradition, Maneuverability, and Rhythm: Understanding other styles, evasion, lightness of movement, and rhythm.

The Doctrine of Goshinkan

Heihō and Kokoro — Strategy and Inner State

In the tradition of Goshinkan — martial practice is not reduced to technique alone. It is a complete path of body, mind, and character, where outward movement and inner state are trained as one. This path rests upon two foundations: Goshin no Heihō —  the Strategy of the Five Spirits, and Goshin no Kokoro —  the Five States of Consciousness.

Through Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void, Heihō teaches structure, adaptation, entry, movement, distance, and freedom of action. Through Shoshin, Zanshin, Mushin, Fudōshin, and Senshin, Kokoro shapes attention, humility, clarity, steadiness, and purified intent.

Together, they form the inner and outer discipline of Goshinkan: to receive pressure without losing center, to act decisively without anger, and to carry dignity beyond the dojo into daily life.

To explore the complete doctrine and detailed elemental breakdowns:

Aiki Kids in Goshinkan

What is the main focus of the children's classes?

At Goshinkan, our training goes beyond physical exercise. We focus on internal discipline, respect, and character development. The goal is to cultivate strong, focused, and responsible individuals who understand that martial skills are a profound duty meant for protection, not an instrument for aggression or vanity.

Will my child learn to fight or compete?

Goshinkan does not participate in sports competitions or promote aggressive fighting. Instead, children learn the art of Aikijutsu, which relies on blending with an attack, controlling spatial distance, and unbalancing an opponent without relying on brute force. We teach children to manage conflict safely and to protect themselves and those who are weaker with dignity.

Is the training safe for children?

Absolute safety (Anzen) is a foundational rule of our dojo. Students are taught that their partner is someone to learn with and protect, not an opponent to defeat or humiliate. All techniques are practiced with strict control, and children learn to respect the physical boundaries and safety of their peers.

Practice Sessions Schedule

MONDAY

19:00 – 26 Simon Chikovani Str. Tbilisi.

WEDNESDAY

19:00 – 26 Simon Chikovani Str. Tbilisi.

FRIDAY

19:00 – 26 Simon Chikovani Str. Tbilisi.

Connect

E: info@aikigoshinkan.com
T: +995 558 21 54 77

Address

26 Simon Chikovani Str.
Tbilisi, Georgia

FacebookInstagramYoutubeTikTok

© 2026 Aikijutsu Goshinkan