Aikido Technique Videos and Self Defense Training

A master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally slighted a soldier. He quickly apologized, but the rather impetuous soldier demanded that the matter be settled in a sword duel. The tea master, who had no experience with swords, asked the advice of a fellow Zen master who did possess such skill. As he was served by his friend, the Zen swordsman could not help but notice how the tea master performed his art with perfect concentration and tranquility. "Tomorrow," the Zen swordsman said, "when you duel the soldier, hold your weapon above your head, as if ready to strike, and face him with the same concentration and tranquility with which you perform the tea ceremony."

The next day, at the appointed time and place for the duel, the tea master followed this advice. The soldier, readying himself to strike, stared for a long time into the fully attentive but calm face of the tea master. Finally, the soldier lowered his sword, apologized for his arrogance, and left without a blow being struck.

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis | Senso-Ryu | Ted Hanulak Sensei

We have recently launched a brand-new DVD featuring Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba titled, “Rendez-vous with Adventure.” This outstanding new presentation is the third installment in a six-part series on the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. This DVD presents the full, uncut version of a fascinating U.S. television documentary on aikido produced in 1958. It follows the adventures of an American tv crew who first cover the opening of the majestic Tokyo Tower with all its pomp and ceremony. Next, they pay a visit to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo to find out what aikido is all about.

There they meet famous Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, his son Kisshomaru, and Koichi Tohei. Two members of the crew don training uniforms and try the art out for themselves often with humorous results. An unforgettable scene is the “challenge” by one of the sceptical journalists handled by Koichi Tohei. Another highlight of this film is the interview of O-Sensei with Koichi Tohei acting as interpreter. You will hear the Founder’s actual voice and watch him intone a haunting Shinto chant. The exciting finale features a special demonstration by O-Sensei of taijutsu, aiki ken, aiki jo and multiple attacks. Nobuyoshi Tamura and Yasuo Kobayashi are among those taking falls for the Founder. Incredible action!

Today we are welcoming Carlos Blanco as the newest member of Aikido Journal’s international team of volunteer translators. As his first contribution, Carlos has sent us this Spanish translation of Stanley Pranin’s first interview with Yasuo Kobayashi sensei:

Article: Entrevista con Yasuo Kobayashi (1)
Language: Spanish, translated by Carlos Blanco
Original English article: Interview with Yasuo Kobayashi (1)

Recommended reading: “A Revisionist View of Aikido History” by Stanley Pranin

The article below has been selected from the extensive archives of the Online Aikido Journal. We believe that an informed readership with knowledge of the history, techniques and philosophy of aikido is essential to the growth of the art and its adherence to the principles espoused by Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba.

The students in the dojo were in total awe of the Sensei, not because he was strict, but because nothing ever seemed to upset or ruffle him. So they found him a bit unearthly and even frightening.

One day they decided to put him to a test. A bunch of them very quietly hid in a dark corner of one of the hallways, and waited for him to walk by. Within moments, the Sensei appeared, carrying a cup of hot tea. Just as he passed by, the students all rushed out at him screaming as loud as they could. But the Sensei showed no reaction whatsoever. He peacefully made his way to a small table at the end of the hall, gently placed the cup down, and then, leaning against the wall, cried out with shock, "Ohhhhh!"

Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis | Senso-Ryu | Ted Hanulak Sensei

Learn powerful and elegant aikido under the tutelage of Morihiro Saito Sensei!

The aikido of the late Morihiro Saito Sensei was known for its power, precision and sophistication. Aikido Journal offers a number of DVDs and books

From the British Aikido website:

The most popular theory of the origins of the coloured belt system is that it was originated by the father of Judo himself, Jigoro Kano. Of all the various theories I have read, I believe that this is probably the the nearer to the true origin that we will ever get.

From E-Budo.com:

…Due to the climate, local people’s temperament, the existence of many small local lords and the presence of many naturalized citizens who helped the natives absorb the progressive continental culture and frequent traffic of ascetics around the old shrines and temples which the region was infested with all of thee factors gave sufficient grounds for the birth, growth and polishing of ninjutsu, The fact is that many of the founders were originally ascetics. In fact, for the ninjutsu method of mind concentration and magic performance, the performers made a sign of kuji (lit. nine characters, a secret and sacred sign). For this reason, some believe that ninjutsu derived from the military practice if yamabushi (lit. mountain hermits) of the Shugendo sect.

An algorithm is a prescribed set of well-defined, unambiguous rules or processes for the solution of a problem in a finite number of steps. Joined together these steps may appear as a flow.

Everything is a transaction. Where there is reciprocally valued exchanges of energy it reflects the eternal processes of the Great Universe. When the attempt is to take without giving in exchange it becomes an attempt at vampirism. This vampirism is the toxin that motivates all violence and it is born in fear, ignorance and greed is its expression.