The following articles were submitted by Linda Holiday Sensei of Aikido of Santa Cruz:
On January 12, 2009, at the Budokan in Tokyo, Motomichi Anno Sensei was given the Japan Martial Arts Distinguished Service Award for Aikido. Anno Sensei, 8th dan, is the current chief instructor of the Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu, Japan, succeeding the late Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei. Anno Sensei began his study of Aikido in 1954 and received direct instruction from the founder of Aikido during Osensei’s frequent visits to the Kumano area. Anno Sensei has traveled many times to teach Aikido in the US and Europe; he is well appreciated for his emphasis on the heart and spirit of the art.
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“The Alexander technique is a way of learning how you can get rid of harmful tension in your body.”* Although certainly not a full definition of the Alexander Technique, this is a good start.
“The Aikikai Foundation (財団法人合気会, Zaidan Hōjin Aikikai?) is the original organisation for the Japanese martial art aikido, officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940. It is also frequently referred to as “Aikikai Honbu”, or more simply, just “Aikikai”. It describes itself as “the parent organization for the development and popularization of aikido throughout the world”, although there are several offshoots whose arts all are named aikido. The Aikikai is often referred to as an umbrella organisation for various national and other aikido organisations. Its headquarters, the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, is located in Tokyo, Japan.
What is “natural movement”?
“I first published my first book, “Aikido for Life” in 1990 which summarized the basic philosophies, teaching and practice at Nippon Kan General Headquarters at that time. Even then, my main philosophy was that of “motion and sweat”. At the time, there were many instructors that focused on the teaching of “Ki” and “Ki Power”. In “Aikido for Life” I outlined my thoughts on the pursuit of Ki power and the ways in which ideas of Ki power were being sold to attract students. I have always believed that if you focus on Ki and search to find it, you will never succeed. Motion and sweat, in my opinion is a much better model for lifelong practice.
“This year again we asked the head of Tendokan, Shimizu Kenji, for an interview, that embroiders the begin of our 2001 New Year`s edition. Shimizu sensei will talk about ‘What is real strength’ and ‘Why polite manners are so important’. Issues, which reflect the ideas of Tendoryu aikido and which are being mentioned untiringly by Shimizu sensei during practice. Additionally, among others, we will learn further details about one of this year’s current issues, i.e. about the video project, that has been a popular request already for a long time and which finally will be taken up.”
“Just as any maple tree is recognisable as a maple tree, yet at the same time unique, everybody has their own aikido.
The article below has been selected from the 
“I had an interesting discussion with Hal Lehrman. I wanted to ask him to help me clarify what he does in his Aikido that is so unique. I’ve been having trouble describing it to others. Recently I learned about the concept of kuzushi and wondered if he agreed that execution of kazushi was what I noticing in his Aikido.
“I have a number of sticks I use for my practice, and one of them is my little bokken I made out of an ax handle that I had John Stevens put his thumbprint on during one of his seminars in Philadelphia.
“Fourteen-year-old Hanna Kolias stands alone, barefoot beneath the bright lights and low ceiling of the Medford Judo Academy. Her white Aikido robe is cinched with a yellow belt, the symbol of her accomplishment.
“What is the most likely attack going to be on the street? That is the big question. And do you practise counters to it? In theory, you should spend the greatest amount of time training for the most likely attack you may come up against rather than less likely attacks.