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.
In April of 1942, a martial arts demonstration was held there to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the “Founding of the Nation.” The demonstration took place in the great dojo of the Shinbuden, and “Emperor” Pu-yi, the Prime Minister, and other military and government dignitaries as well as famous civilians attended as guests. Only the greatest Japanese experts and masters of the day were invited to demonstrate. Of course the Founder was among them. A high level of skill was exhibited, and the Founder attracted the interest of all. This was partly because not very many people had actually seen his art despite the Founder’s fame. Emperor Pu-yi is said to have been the first to stand to give his applause.
“It is not uncommon to hear people discount joint-lock techniques as not being very practical in a real fight. How many times have we observed two people wrestling with and against one another in a vain attempt to execute a joint lock? It seems as if this technically straight-forward class of techniques is much more involved that we initially perceive them to be.”
We have just been notified of the passing of 
“‘Practice the technique 1,000 times and you may learn 10%.’ – Hayawo Kiyama, Daito Ryu Shihan
The article below has been selected from the 
For several years I have devoted a significant portion of my time and energy to the study of Aikido, both in the traditional fashion as a student of technique and spirit, and in the unusual form of academic study and research into the philosophical and psychological sources and implications of the martial ways. This synthesis of studies has provided a focus for my future, a motivation toward the realization of my potential to live a meaningful existence and to assist others in their own search for meaning. I expect that the rest of my life will include the study of Aikido and the sharing of it with others.
“While everyone has an innate fear of falling, most martial artists should learn basic falling techniques not only to avoid injury but to better learn the transition from standing techniques to those on the ground.” 
“Most people know how healthy they really are but are uncomfortable with acknowledging it to themselves if they know that they are not as healthy as they should be. No-one else needs to know. However, YOU need to acknowledge it to yourself!
During my recent vacation, Aikido Journal published “Morihei Ueshiba and Minoru Mochizuki” by Stanley Pranin. Master Mochizuki founded Budo Yoseikan. Coincidentally, I saw Budo Yoseikan’s dojo in Torrance, CA, where my wife and I were visiting. I stopped in and found Patrick Augé Sensei Shihan, who had studied with Master Mochizuki, teaching a children’s class. He was kind enough to speak to me after class, and I explained that I was visiting from North Carolina, where I study aikido, and asked if I could attend one of his classes while I was in town. He agreed and even offered a gi since I had not packed mine.
The article below dealing with Sokaku Takeda has been selected from the 
“For as long as I can remember, I have been involved with the martial arts. I connected with it, and like a musician to his instrument, I seemed to have a talent which I was able to tap into. I remember my master in Tang Soo Do, very early on in my training, explaining to me the power of martial arts, and in particular Tang Soo Do. He stated that what we are learning was meant for one thing, and one thing only: war. The techniques we were learning were tried and true battlefield tactics, and were meant to kill. But we don’t live in feudal Korea; we live in a world that prefers movie flash to real tactics. The fact remained, however, that what we were learning was deadly, warlike, and chaotic.”