“To convert aggression, violence, attack, indeed any challenge into a steppingstone is the prize..” What makes Aikido different? How did it come about? Yes, yes, we all think we know because we’ve read...
Archive - March 2013
Josh Gold“Daily Shugyo,” by Francis Takahashi
“Good decisions result from applying wisdom, and that wisdom itself is the result of bad decisions” Shugyo, in Japanese, basically refers to the concept of training in a discipline of choice. It can also...
Why did O-Sensei choose the name “Aikido” for his art? The best answer wins a prize…
“What is the meaning of “Aikido” and why was it chosen?” The name of “Aikido,” though perhaps not a household word, is widely known by the public, especially those who are interested...
A Dilemma Deferred: An Identity Denied and Dismissed by Minoru J. Shibata
In the mid 20th century, Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei introduced a martial art that is unique to this day. There are many witnesses living worldwide today who were there, saw him, heard what he said, and physically touched...
“The Street – Many Shades of Violence,” by Nev Sagiba
“There is more to violence than, “the street”…” When we hear about violence, often “the street” is mentioned, as if that’s the only place that violence takes place. Well I’m...
Morihei Ueshiba and Minoru Mochizuki, by Stanley Pranin
“It was none other than Kyuzo Mifune Sensei who was peering at the drenched boy incredulously.” The budo career of Minoru Mochizuki has been unique in many respects. He began judo training as a child and is...
Is Aikido Teachable? by Peter Goldsbury
What a silly question! Of course aikido is teachable. The fact that there are probably a million past and present aikido practitioners in Japan and overseas is eloquent testimony to the fact. Since Morihei Ueshiba...
A physiotherapist’s view: “Aikido and Injuries,” by Bartłomiej Gajowiec
“Warm-ups are not just a waste of time. They are absolutely necessary during class in order to prepare your body and mind for a good practice.” I would like to believe that all injuries in dojos are caused...
Morihiro Saito: Following the Founder Into History by Gaku Homma
Author’s note: Portions of this article were written soon after the passing of Morihiro Saito Shihan, but in keeping with Japanese traditions for mourning, were not released until after the beginning of the following...
“The secret to performing tai no henko against two uke,” by Stanley Pranin
“Notice in particular how Saito Sensei’s grabbed hand hardly moves at all when he performs tai no henko” This photo is from a recent seminar I gave in Las Vegas jointly with Pat Hendricks Sensei. Here...