“Even though we should be training as if preparing to go to war tomorrow, the reality is that Aikido is not for war but for finding peace within oneself.” I recall in the mid 80’s, a woman joined the dojo...
Archive - August 2012
Josh Gold“Passing of Red Sakamoto,” by Francis Takahashi
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of an unknown “little giant” of Aikido in America, Robert “Red” Sakamoto, in Phoenix, Arizona. I just received confirmation from his lovely bride...
“Kakarigeiko Is Not Randori,” by Nev Sagiba
“The real Budo, the truest Aikido resides in holding the line, maintaining and protecting standards and infrastructures that uphold core human values and integrity in the world of today, as it is right now...
“The habit of excellence,” by Francis Takahashi
There is nothing in nature that does not belong. Nothing is “unnatural,” as long as Nature gives its approval to exist or to happen. Nature does not have to “practice to get it right,” in anything. Humans curiously find...
Interview with Shigenobu Okumura (1983), Part I
The following is the first of two-part interview with Shigenobu Okumura Sensei, a Hombu Dojo instructor which took place on May 14, 1983. Read the second part here. Although I was born in Hokkaido, I went to Dairen...
“Balance, Breathe, Move, Notice!,” by Nev Sagiba
“To survive a multiple attack situation, to increase your chances of survival, it is imperative that you are firmly grounded, balanced, breathing, moving and know where everyone is at all times! Why?” Why did...
“Thrust Beats Cut,” by Charles Warren
Pranin Sensei has challenged me to organize and present some thoughts that occurred to me while watching a video on the website. The big problem is that each thought digresses into other equally interesting areas. So...
Remembering Takuma Hisa, by Stanley Pranin
The Asahi News had come under attack by lobbyists and right-wing activists due to an editorial mistake in March 1928 concerning the death of an imperial prince. Hisa assumed responsibility for the security operations of...
“Multiple Attacks and Ground Wrestling,” by Nev Sagiba
Multiple attacks and ground wrestling are the singular best forms of training practice you can do. However, in a live survival situation, these are the very things you try to avoid. Why the apparent contradiction? There...
“Awaseru, an Aiki perspective,” by Francis Takahashi
“I am content to train each day with the goal of mutual benefit in mind, and to find ways to practice “awaseru” with each new partner I am blessed with.” Awaseru, in Japanese, means to “put or join” things...