I am prompted to write this article by a comment appearing recently on the Aikido Journal Facebook page about the the decision of Hitohiro Saito Sensei, son of Morihiro Saito, to depart from the Aikikai in 2004. The...
Archive - January 2016
Josh Gold“Aikido and Injuries” by Stanley Pranin
“In a moral world, there would exist a level of implicit trust, an unspoken contract, between practice partners” There is a subject of considerable importance that we have dealt with on several occasions...
The Iwama Aikido Conundrum by Stanley Pranin
I have always felt that the origin of “Iwama Aikido” presents a conundrum for students of the history of modern aikido. For those unfamiliar with the subject, Iwama is a small town in Ibaragi Prefecture...
Who changed Aikido after the war and what were their motives? by Stanley Pranin
“What was done instead was to de-emphasize the martial pedigree of aikido’s techniques, and eschew training regimens that promoted a martial spirit.” Revival of aikido after World War II The typical aikido...
O-Sensei’s Innovative Iriminage: Lost to History? by Stanley Pranin
I have been fascinated with Morihei Ueshiba’s iriminage technique since I discovered his prewar “Budo” manual in 1981. There, I found what I consider to be an innovative and effective method of...
Kotegaeshi wrist twist: Overcoming the obstacles to success by Stanley Pranin
“Some criticize the spectacular high falls from kotegaeshi seen in demonstrations” At first glance, kotegaeshi — aikido’s wrist twist throw — might seem among the simpler of the art’s...
“Unraveling the Origins of Aikido’s Iriminage” by Stanley Pranin
I would like to briefly discuss the origins of iriminage as a type of throwing technique peculiar to aikido and believed to be original to Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Next, we will see how modified versions of iriminage...
Shomenuchi Ikkyo Omote: If you want it to work, do it O-Sensei’s way!
“Why do so many aikido styles totally ignore what the Founder clearly taught?” The correct execution of Shomenuchi ikkyo omote is one of the most debated technical issues in aikido. Actually, it seems odd...
“Shihonage: Show vs. Realism” by Stanley Pranin
Shihonage is known as aikido’s “four-corner throw.” It involves securing a partner’s wrist, a rapid pivot resulting in a powerful control of his arm, followed by a throw. Shihonage is practiced...
An Overview of Koichi Tohei’s Early Aikido Career by Stanley Pranin
In May, 1974, an event occurred that shook the roots of the aikido world to its very foundations. It was then that Koichi Tohei, the chief instructor of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, resigned from his post and left the...