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.
The founder said, “Fine. Let’s start, you with a wooden sword and me empty-handed. Come, try to hit me any way you like.” The officer appeared slightly offended by how small the founder looked when they faced off. He must have seen an opening for the next instant he struck sharply but the founder had swiftly turned his body with perfect finesse. The kendo man then took a more cautious stance and seeing a good opportunity, he again gave a quick blow but his sword came nowhere near the founder. Now the officer was dead serious. He launched a breathless series of lightning-like strikes, but each time Morihei turned out of the line of attack in an easy and lightly flowing manner. At the end, the officer collapsed, out of breath, on the floor.
The Aikido Journal archives now include more than 800 articles in twenty different languages and numerous video clips. We are constantly adding new articles and translations in our effort to document aikido and related disciplines past and present. If you would like to support us in this effort by taking out a subscription to the Online Aikido Journal we welcome you to do so by clicking this link. Remember that if you subscribe or renew for two years you will now receive the Aiki News / Aikido Journal Archival DVD absolutely free of charge. Don’t pass up this special offer!
I remember reading that article many years ago and was so impressed with it. To think that you can attain such a high level of being to become untouchable. It was one of the things that made me learn aikido and has kept me practising aikido over the decades.
Regards
Aikipad
He was touchable, but whom had the requisite motivation to touch?