“Morihiro Saito is a giant of a figure in aikido who has no match as a technician” In recent weeks, I have lamented the fact that a number of famous figures of earlier eras of aikido history have been...
Archive - January 2015
Josh GoldSaved by the “Guide”… “He already had it but couldn’t find it!!”
“Finding ‘lost’ techniques at light speed!” Today I was contacted about our new “Complete Guide to Aikido” by a reader with a question. This gentleman had previously obtained Saito...
Screencast: Focus on History — “Morihei Ueshiba’s Ill-starred Mongolian Expedition,” by Stanley Pranin
“If you have read anything about aikido history, you’ll remember that this expedition failed, and Onisaburo and his party — including of course, Morihei — were captured and nearly executed by the Chinese...
Cooperation During Demonstrations by Stanley Pranin
From Aiki News #65 (December 1984) The AIKI NEWS staff recently returned from a long, highly successful trip to the west coast of the United States during which thirteen Aikido film presentations were given, each in a...
Sokaku Takeda: Bodyguard in Hokkaido by Tokimune Takeda
“When Sokaku was 21 years old he engaged in a life-or-death struggle with some 300 rowdy construction workers for six hours!” From Aiki News #70 (March 1986) Since I receive many inquiries concerning this...
Dan Rankings by Stanley Pranin
“In Aikido as in every martial discipline, there are individuals who are clearly competent and those whose backgrounds and lineage cannot withstand even cursory scrutiny.” This editorial was written back in...
Don’t allow the slightest opening! Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei, 10th dan
One of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba’s most brilliant students, describes the essential principles of Aikido that should be part of your current training. Here is a glimpse of some of the key concepts explained...
“Kiai” by Sakura Mai
“In order to practice Kiai correctly, we must keep in mind two concepts: our energetic center and abdominal breathing” Its characters are the same as those of Aiki (Ki = Energy, mind, will / Ai = Union)...
Patrick Augé’s New Year’s Message for 2015
“The Black Belt is the modern equivalent of knighthood…” This is a must-read article by long-time friend and collaborator, Patrick Augé Sensei. Please be sure to have your students read this! —...
Add Morihei Ueshiba’s Name Card to Your Collection of Aikido Memorabilia! by Stanley Pranin
“For those who have come to believe that Morihei’s association with the Omoto religion became distant after the devastating consequences of the Second Omoto Incident of December 1935, this simple name card speaks...