The article below has been selected from the extensive archives of the Online Aikido Journal. We believe that an informed readership with knowledge of the history, techniques and philosophy of aikido is essential to the growth of the art and its adherence to the principles espoused by Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba.
[I]n one sense the Aikikai is a very successful martial arts organization, for both inside and outside Japan the art, as inherited by Doshu and developed and interpreted by him, is growing. On the other hand, the disciples of the founder went off to create their own dojos and these also developed into fully-fledged organizations. Thus the aikido world split into competing groups even during the founder’s lifetime, the fragmentation of aikido happened in Japan, the “mother” country, and not only abroad. So, in another sense the Aikikai has not been successful in its aim of maintaining unity in aikido and the question whether such unity is possible is a valid question which needs to be asked.
“Karl Friday: The answer to the first question depends on what you mean by “martial arts.” Can you learn to fight without a teacher? Obviously. Can you learn to fight *well* without a teacher? Probably. But can you learn a *specific art* without a teacher? Not really. Even if you keep the definition of “teacher” restrictive enough to exclude someone you just watch and imitate (including by video or book in modern times), the best you could possibly expect to achieve is a reinvention of the art–the creation of something new, in imitation of the art itself.
In connection with the editing of our latest 
2009 is a very special year for Aikido in Quebec. In the same way than Aiki Expo, which occurred a few years ago in the United States, we try to unite Aikido practitioners of all styles under the same roof, with friendly events. We believe that Montreal has all the potential to be a cornerstone of Aikido in America, as it already has the biggest dojo in Canada (Montreal Aikikai).
“Adam Loomis, an intake officer for the Washington County Juvenile Court system, marveled at how youths reacted on the first day of their Aikido martial arts class in January.
“The warrior arts (hyôhô) of our family initially were personally received as a spiritual gift [from the deity of Kashima]. Thus we call our art Kashima-Shinryû [The Kashima Spiritual Style]. The record of how this was inherited by successive generations, and the changes of names incurred therein, is summarized below:
“The world of the martial arts is fraught with mystery, of heroes performing magical feats, famously depicted in movies from Hong Kong to Hollywood. Aside from the glamour of the big screen, there is another, much quieter, side: Individuals and organizations devoted to maintaining and promoting traditional martial arts.
“Please don’t see this thread as an attempt to revive any kind of “does aikido really work?” discussion. Nothing interests me less. Instead, I thought it would be useful to share what I personally love about Aikido…
We’d like to give a heads up to those of you who have been anxiously awaiting the release of the last of the O-Sensei DVD series, Volume 5, titled “Divine Techniques.” We will formally announce this exciting new product tomorrow, but for those of you who can’t wait, please 
I met a fellow last year who had defended himself successfully. Had previously read about him in the paper. In the paper it said that he had been attacked by a gang of fifteen youths throwing sticks and stones, had shot one, and been arrested.
“Working days out of South East Substation was a boring, thankless job. All the hooks and crooks were in bed or acting like they were working at honest jobs. The only folks out there were those fine citizens who were complaining about holes in our crime-fighting machine.
Within the State of New York, I am a NYS certified police instructor. My 2 main subjects (amongst others) are the Use-of-Force and Defensive Tactics. Within the State of New York, Use-of-Force is known as Article 35 (statute law).