Create your own custom discount!

We would like to offer you the opportunity to create your own special discounts that will allow you to get the most out of your investment in martial arts educational materials sold through Aikido Journal. We now have a special interface that will allow you to easily choose the products comprising your special package.

If you would like a particular combination of products—books, DVDs, posters, etc.—which are not already offered as a set at a discounted price, this is your chance to tailor-make your own special purchase at a more affordable price.

August 20^th, 2008 (read more )

Recommended viewing: “Morihiro Saito and Pat Hendricks at 1994 All-Japan Demo”

Here is a link to a video clip featuring a demonstration by Morihiro Saito Sensei with Pat Hendricks Sensei at the 1994 All-Japan Aikido Demonstration in Tokyo.

The Aikido Journal archives now include more than 100 video clips and 800 articles in twenty different languages. We are constantly adding new videos, articles and translations in our effort to document aikido and related disciplines past and present. If you would like to support us in this effort by taking out a subscription to the Online Aikido Journal we welcome you to do so by clicking this link. Remember that if you subscribe or renew for two years you will now receive the Aiki News / Aikido Journal Archival DVD absolutely free of charge. Don’t pass up this special offer!

August 20^th, 2008 (read more )

Recommended reading: “Interview with Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1983), Part 1” 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.

After the war, I began to practice seriously because I thought it was my duty. In my opinion, if Aikido is publicized and many people are afforded the opportunity of practicing, there will always be a certain number of persons who are very good at the art. Yet, at the same time, we must spread Aikido. Although it might be a good idea to develop only a few expert practitioners, if they disappear then the art will cease to exist. That would be a problem. So we must seek ways to publicize Aikido. I have come to hold the belief that the most important task for Aikido since the war has been to conform our way of thinking, teaching and philosophy to the trends of the time

August 20^th, 2008 (read more )

“Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Hiden Mokuroku” by Katsuyuki Kondo Sensei back in print!

We would like to bring to your attention that we have republished the authoritative work by Katsuyuki Kondo, Menkyo Kaiden, titled Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Hiden Mokuroku.

This is the first book in English to introduce the technical curriculum of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu as originally taught by Sokaku Takeda. It contains the 31 techniques of the ikkajo series of the Hiden Mokuroku, the first level of study in Daito-ryu.

August 19^th, 2008 (read more )

Brian Kagen pick: “Aikido Action Cut Video” featuring Haruo Matsuoka Sensei

“The video includes a demonstration of jo (short staff) and bokken techniques. A bokken is a wooden training sword used to practice the art of kenjutsu (sword combat). A legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), was known for engaging in sword duels armed only with a bokken when facing opponents with razor sharp steel blades. Musashi was said to have been victorious in over 60 life-or-death sword duels.”

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.

August 19^th, 2008 (read more )

Aikido Training in Las Vegas: “Observations of a new student” by Mike Smith

This is the fifth of a series of blogs submitted by aikido students of Aikido Journal Editor Stanley Pranin who are currently training in Las Vegas.

I am a new student of Aikido. I was lucky enough to meet up with Mr. Stanley Pranin in Las Vegas and have already taken a few classes. My background consists of a few years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as Muay Thai kickboxing.

I’ve been interested in the art of Aikido probably since the first Steven Seagal movie I saw. I was impressed with the ease with which Mr. Seagal was able to dismiss his opponents as well as the flowing movements used. I wondered if it was simply the choreograhy or if the moves actually worked. After a few hours with Mr. Pranin I learned quickly that they really work and it’s very impressive how much power you exert with little effort. In fact the more effort or strength you use the harder it is to achieve the desired result. I feel a little clumsy at times as well as a little uncoordinated. The movements are quite a bit different than I’m used to and slightly counter-intuitive in some cases. I’m going slow in hopes of becoming a better student and paying attention to all of the details. Mr. Pranin is very patient as well as knowledgeable and I look forward to training for a long time to come.

Mike Smith — August 19^th, 2008 (read more )

See Morihiro Saito Sensei in action in clip from newly-released DVD!

Click here to view the exciting video preview clip of the new DVD by Morihiro Saito Sensei!

We have recently released a new DVD featuring an Aikido legend, Morihiro Saito Sensei, one of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba’s closest disciples. This exceptional DVD presents never-before-seen footage of Saito Sensei as he appeared in 1989 while teaching a seminar in San Diego, California. With the release of each DVD of the “Lost Seminars” series, the body of technical information on Saito Sensei’s teaching methodology grows to the benefit of practitioners everywhere. With a runtime of 127 minutes, this DVD includes scores of techniques from ryotedori, shomenuchi, and morotedori attacks. Saito Sensei also gives a detailed presentation of nikyo techniques and seldom-taught releases from a variety of ushiro holds. Complete English subtitles have been provided to enable viewers to follow in detail Saito Sensei’s instruction.

August 19^th, 2008 (read more )

Recommended reading: “Can Competition Enhance O-Sensei’s Aikido?” 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.

Another of the most frequently advocated solutions to this thorny issue is the introduction of competition to add a realistic dimension and provide a quantifiable way of measuring one’s skills against an opponent. The argument is often framed in such a way that the measure of a martial system is based on how exponents fare, or presumably would fare, in a match situation. For example, who would come out on top if fifth dans in judo and karate were to match skills? Is taekwondo superior to kung fu? Can an aikidoka with no cross-training in another art hold his own against an exponent of any of these more combat-oriented martial arts? Such speculation is endless and has failed to lead to any sort of consensus.

August 19^th, 2008 (read more » 2 comments )

Brian Kagen pick: “Aikidostenudd”

“Stefan Stenudd, aikido instructor in Sweden. I started training aikido in 1972 as a flabbergasted teeenager, in Stockholm, Sweden. Now, I teach at Enighet dojo in Malmo, Sweden. I have 6 dan Aikikai - not that rank is a guarantee of any ability, just an indication of time spent. I have had the fortune of learning from many great teachers during this time, such as Nishio sensei, Tamura sensei and Sugano sensei, just to mention a few. In such company, it is impossible not to stay modest about one’s own capacity.”

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.

August 19^th, 2008 (read more )

Founder of Aikido on DVD!

Save over 30% off retail price!

We are offering a special set of 5 outstanding DVDs featuring Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. These DVDs contain rare film clips of Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei at various stages of his life. Through these outstanding DVDs you will come to know the Founder through his techniques, his life, and his words.

These 5 DVDs retail normally for $199.75, but during this special you will save more than 30% off as this special offers sells for $134.95 plus shipping & handling.

August 17^th, 2008 (read more )

Recommended reading: “Interview with Kenji Tomiki (1)” by Stanley Pranin

The interview below with the famous prewar student of Morihei Ueshiba, Kenji Tomiki, 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.

I first began to practice judo when I was about 10 years old. Later when I was to enter the university, I came up to Tokyo. But it wasn’t until I became one of the key officers of the university judo club that I was first able to get to know Jigoro Kano Sensei, the founder of Kodokan judo. It was in 1920 that I first met him directly. Kano Sensei was born at the end of the Edo Period in 1860 and died at the age of 79 in 1938, so he was of the same generation as Ueshiba Sensei’s teacher, Sokaku Takeda Sensei. Kano Sensei founded the Kodokan in 1882 so he was about 24 or 25 at that time.

August 17^th, 2008 (read more )

Is your dojo listed in AJ’s World Directory?

We continue to get an excellent response to our World Aikido Dojo Directory and now have over 3,500 listings. Please check the listing under Find a Dojo on the right menu under the “Search for dojo” to see if your dojo has been included. Entering your “city” information is often a quick way to check.

If your dojo is not listed, please enter your data and mention to your teacher the free service that will serve as a wordwide “yellow page” entry for your dojo. Remember this is not just a simple listing of your address details; you can also include a photograph of your dojo or instructor and write a detailed description of your schedule, mission statement, or whatever you like.

August 17^th, 2008 (read more )

Morihiro Saito, Lost Seminars DVD Set Promo Clip!

We have just uploaded an exciting video clip with highlights of all 4 DVDs from the Morihiro Saito: Lost Seminars DVD set. A viewing of this clip will give you an excellent idea of the wealth of information contained on these wonderful DVDs!

Click here to watch an exciting promo clip of all 4 DVDs!

Below you will find a further description of these DVDs along with relevant links.

Recently we released another important title in our DVD series by Morihiro Saito Sensei titled “The Lost Seminars.” We have now produced four volumes in this outstanding set of aikido pedagogical DVDs that warrant a prominent place in every aikidoka’s collection. These programs consist of videotape of rare seminars conducted by Saito Sensei during his prime in the 1980s and 1990s. Each volume offers footage of one or more seminars from this time frame that has been carefully edited replete with English subtitles to make this material available to a worldwide audience.

August 17^th, 2008 (read more )

Recommended reading: “Among My Souvenirs” by David Lynch

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.

Exhausted, I wandered out of the dojo for some fresh air, and was suddenly arrested by the beauty of the blossoms on the cherry tree outside. I experienced a moment of euphoria, and involuntary tears began to flow. It was not, alas, a full-scale O-Sensei-style enlightenment experience, but one of those funny fits of emotion that seem to pop up when one is overtired.

August 16^th, 2008 (read more )

Brian Kagen pick: “Roy Dean Academy: Uchideshi”

“We are a progressive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy located in Bend, Oregon. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a highly effective martial art for men, women, and children. It relies on leverage, timing, and proper technique to overcome larger and stronger opponents. We teach in a safe, friendly, and controlled environment which fosters fun, camaraderie, and respect

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.

August 16^th, 2008 (read more )

Best selling DVD: “Christian Tissier: An Aikido Odyssey!”

Watch the exciting video preview clip of the new DVD by Christian Tissier Sensei downloaded now nearly 37,000 times! Click here to view clip.

We have recently placed on sale our new DVD featuring one of Aikido’s top instructors, Christian Tissier of France. This one-of-a-kind DVD presents an in-depth look at the life and art of one of Aikido’s preeminent masters, Christian Tissier, 7th dan. Having begun Aikido as a boy in France in 1962, Tissier spent eight years in Japan at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo training with many of the art’s top masters. On his return to his native France, he brought back a new kind of Aikido that soon captured the imagination of the Aikido world in his country and practitioners throughout Europe. Tissier is at present the leading figure in the FFAAA organization, one of France’s two large Aikido associations. He is the sole foreign instructor to have taught at the International Aikido World Congress.

August 16^th, 2008 (read more )