This is a "sporting style" of aikido. Founded by Kenji Tomiki, an early student of O-sensei Ueshiba and of Judo founder Jigoro Kano. Tomiki-sensei believed that a "rationalization" of Aikido training, along the lines that Kano-sensei followed for Judo would make it more easily taught, particularly at the Japanese Universities. In addition, he believed that introducing an element of competition would serve to sharpen and focus the practice since it was no longer tested in real combat. This latter view was the cause of a split with O-sensei who firmly believed that there was no place for competition in Aikido training. Tomiki-ryu is characterized by using kata (pre-arranged forms) in teaching and by holding competitions, both empty handed and with a rubber knife.