Nishio Aikido - Volumes 1 & 2: A Review

Although I have never had the opportunity to meet or train with Nishio Sensei, I have long admired his technical breadth and depth. If I may be so bold, we are of like mind where aikido is concerned as evidenced in these fine tapes. Nishio Sensei opens each volume with a very helpful explanatory preamble that succinctly documents his ethics and training rationale.

An excellent teacher, Nishio Sensei clearly articulates critical details for properly executing each technique that he covers in these two tapes. As a result of their quality and clarity, I confess that now I must acquire the complete set. Nishio’s mastery of iaido, karatedo, jodo, and judo are quite clear in his aikido. Unlike so many teachers, Nishio justifies every movement, every angle from several perspectives. Nishio Sensei demonstrates the validity of his technique by employing the scientific method; when the identical movement can be applied under various conditions (i.e. with ken, with jo, and empty-handed) it must be considered valid. Nishio unmistakably demonstrates this capacity with every technique he demonstrates. Moreover, he explains why common variants are dangerous. He accomplishes all this with truly beautiful movement and sublime aplomb. His students are extremely fortunate.

Nishio Sensei’s martial integrity is obvious; his integrated pedagogy is plainly the result of his broad technical foundation. These videos are an absolute must for anyone studying aikido at any level.

Link to Shoji Nishio DVDs

Link to Encyclopedia of Aikido entry for Shoji Nishio

Todd Jones — February 13^th, 2004 (add comment)