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We have recently released the last installment of the Morihei Ueshiba video series titled “Divine Techniques,” which completes the set of six DVDs on the life and technique of the Founder of Aikido.

Click here for information on ordering the complete 6-volume set of DVDs at more than 30% off the retail price.

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 term “Aiki” is a very old one. It was used from the Meiji period. This is a memo book my father used for writing down notes on techniques he learned from Takeda Sensei. Here you see the phrase “execute Aiki (written in katakana),” in several places. This entry was made on May 14, 1913. My father was 50 years old and Takeda Sensei was in his 55th year at that time. So the term “Aiki” was also in use before the period you refer to. Takeda Sensei would make a distinction between “Aiki Jujutsu” and “Jujutsu” when he was teaching.

“I am a MMA fighter trained by Alex Reid, I have a strong background in Traditional Aikido. I have studied Traditional Aikido since the age of 5 yrs with my father Henry Ellis 6th dan Aikido - International Birankai - .My father taught me the art of Traditional Aikido as taught to him by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in the 1950s/60s. The modern misguided Aikidoka say ‘there is no kicking or punching in Aikido !’ Believe me ! there is in my fathers Aikido…see my photos and fight films. The same sad people say on my video comments ‘I don’t see Aikido !’ …..The reason they don’t see Aikido is because they are looking for their stylized dojo Aikido .”

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Watch exciting video clip of Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei from new DVD on Youtube!

We are proud to offer the first publicly available DVD featuring famous Aikikai Hombu Dojo instructor, Seigo Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi Sensei was one of the most important of the first generation of aikido instructors of the postwar era. He taught at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo for several decades until his passing in 1996. Now nearly a legend, Yamaguchi Sensei influenced several generations of practitioners within the Aikikai system during his career including many of today’s senior instructors of the Headquarters school.

Yamaguchi Sensei’s aikido had a unique flavor that was appealing to thousands of aikidoka who came into contact with him during his long teaching career. His style was characterized by a powerful, spontaneous technique adapted freely to rapidly changing circumstances. His movements ranging from soft to explosive must be seen to be appreciated. The present video represents a rare look at Yamaguchi Sensei in his prime during a seminar held in Paris, France in 1987. Now aikido practitioners everywhere will have an opportunity to experience his instruction and superlative technique for the first time ever!

Harmony is not harmless to those who choose to run counter to it. They take their chances and learn the hard way. Same as do base jumpers or connoisseurs of any high risk activity. Attacking others is a high risk endeavour; deserves no special dispensation, and you’ll note that you can not take out an insurance policy based on the fact you intend to commit crime hurting others.

Whether atemi-waza, kansetsu-waza, tachi-waza, even flowing kokyunage, good and real aiki will recoil the intensity of the attack back to the attacker. The outcome will depend on the attack and the force of intention behind it. Nothing else. Certainly not the subtle hubris of a fake ideal people talk a lot about, but fail to put into practice even in little daily matters.

After the disconnection or if an attacker fights, a properly conducted kansetsu, you have no (or very limited) control of outcomes, because the laws of the universe are outside of your jurisdiction and control. Live with it. No-one can predict the outcome.

“How many times in training have you been told ‘Don’t use your Arm/Shoulder, Just relax and move your hips!’.

I have been told this so many times over the years that I wanted to simply pummel the person telling me this! Well if it was so easy, then why could I not do it for so many years!”

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We would like to remind you of the availability of a special set consisting of a book (Takemusu Aikido Special Edition) and DVD (Budo) by Morihiro Saito Sensei, that presents in great detail the famous 1938 technical manual titled Budo of O-Sensei. By purchasing the book and DVD on Budo together, you will realize a savings of 20% off the retail price of these companion products purchased separately.

Saito Sensei does a masterful job of demonstrating and explaining all of the techniques of Budo in his book and DVD that comprise this Special Set. There are several reasons why the manual Budo is of great importance to aikido history. It is the only source of organized technical sequences demonstrated by Morihei Ueshiba replete with explanations.

“What is Aikido? Why do we practice this art of throwing and neutralization? To begin with, I do not practice for the sake of self-defense, nor have I felt the need to work on that aspect of life for a number of years. Although it is true that we train through the medium of attack and defense, the art-form and concept is realized mentally rather than physically.”

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“This is where the Wrap has been absolutely amazing. When we wanted to do this Aikido program the Y said ‘No problem. We will give you the space and the mats.’ The RCMP said ‘No problem. We will give you the instructor.’ So all we are responsible for now is picking up the kids after school and taking them there. Now that to me is absolutely amazing.”

Brian Kagen is an avid web researcher with a particular interest in martial arts. His training background includes both judo and aikido. He has contributed hundreds of article links over the years for AJ readers.

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LEARN AIKIDO BUKIWAZA FROM MORIHIRO SAITO, 9TH DAN!

We are now offering the outstanding Aiki Ken and Jo DVD set by Morihiro Saito Shihan in a multilingual edition. When viewing the DVDs, you can choose to listen to Saito Sensei in the original Japanese or your preferred voiceover in English or French.

“The other day in class, Sensei made several martial arts references I’d heard for the first time many, many years ago. The first was the ‘Dojo Kun’, or training motto. The second was a phrase, ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight.’ This blog discusses the first one, but I bring up the second one so you can think about it on your own and possibly write your own blog about what it means to you.”

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“Aiki is one martial strategy among many. Aiki can be translated as “Union with Ki.” Among its many understandings, it has an implied tactical meaning of “being in harmony with an opponent’s body/mind (i.e. his/her will or intent, attack, etc.). Aiki, as with all things of Japanese traditional martial arts, has both a surface meaning (Jp. “omote”) and an acroamatic or deeper meaning (Jp. “ura”). Though these two aspects of Aiki cannot really be separated from each other, I will try to speak of only the omote aspect of Aiki, or on how to harmonize with an opponent’s body via a blending of his/her attack with our tactical response.”

Brian Kagen is an avid web researcher with a particular interest in martial arts. His training background includes both judo and aikido. He has contributed hundreds of article links over the years for AJ readers.

Click here to read entire article.