“The result is as an eerie strobe effect that highlights the dazzling motion of the technique.” This photo of 9th dan Rinjiro Shirata was taken at the All-Japan demonstration in Tokyo c. 1988. I was among the...
Archive - September 2012
Josh Gold“My List of Problem Areas in Today’s Aikido,” by Stanley Pranin
“It is very common to find students and teachers alike resort to the forcible application of strength in order to make a technique work.” In the last several years, I have becomed focused on a number of areas that...
“Being meaningful, an Aiki perspective,” by Francis Takahashi
“Olympic athletes do not train to be in top shape, or to appear to be so. They train for the specific purpose of excelling in their event(s) of choice.” Do you train meaningfully, or do you train with meaning...
“The Heart And The Tempest,” by Nev Sagiba
“Physical combat and mental conflict are related. They can be resolved through a conscious entity’s regular application to skill.” Nothing is simply black or white, but rather shades of gold still unrecognized...
Slideshow: Great stills of Morihiro Saito, 9th dan, in class teaching
“Master Aikido’s Fine Points with Morihiro Saito as Your Guide!” Morihiro Saito Sensei, 9th dan, was one of aikido’s premier instructors. A close student of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba in...
Exploring the Founder’s Aikido by Stanley Pranin
The term kiai is sometimes talked about in conjunction with aikido training and refers to a “combative shout” used to disrupt or neutralize the attack of an opponent. The use of this powerful vocalization technique...
Reply to “Why Budo are not supposed to work in a real fight,” by Charles Warren
“With a certain degree of restraint in throwing and reasonably survivable ukemi, you CAN train all your life. You DON’T become disabled by or before the age of 30.” Charles Warren replies to Guillaume...
“Are Aikido’s combat skills enough alone?,” by Francis Takahashi
“Isn’t the complete legacy of the Founder that which we all seek, and freely acknowledge as the most purposeful and intriguing of challenges?” The debate continues as to whether the exclusive study of Aikido’s...