The article below with one of aikido’s most innovative teachers, Shoji Nishio Sensei, 8th dan, 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.
O-Sensei would often say. “You and your opponent breathe as one so that he comes to strike. What do you do if you disturb his breathing? In aikido we regulate people’s breathing.” Both the opponent and I grow together. Our way of thinking shouldn’t be on such a low level as to need to disturb people’s breathing. Therefore, in our way of doing things there is no kamae (combative posture) or anything. That’s the fastest way.
All sustainable learning goes deeper than the intellect. Species learn from survival, and in those that do survive it becomes a preconditioned adaptation variable.
“When practicing you have to put all other thoughts out of your mind and achieve a pure heart. You repeat each technique with an empty state of mind. Realizing this empty state of mind is more difficult than you might expect. Therefore, in the beginning, you must consciously make an effort to remove all other thoughts from your mind. The process is the same as realizing a spiritual state of perfect selflessness while sitting in meditation. Through repeated effort to achieve this empty state of mind, you will someday unconsciously realize this goal. It is then that you will have achieved a pure heart.”
“Historically, most of the “bones of contention” ultimately resulting in the splintering off of dojos from parent organizations have in one way or another arisen from attempts at creating new governing structures or the expansion of existing political institutions. While it is clear that various segments of the Aikido population favor organizing, it seems that there will always be a significant number of practitioners who will resist efforts both from within and without to complexify existing organizations.”
The article below by Dr. Peter Goldsbury, Chairman of the International Aikido Federation, has been selected from the 
The message below submitted as a comment is from Carl who resides in Iwama. Carl offers a status report of the current damage to the Iwama Dojo as a result of the many aftershocks that have occurred since the horrific earthquake that struck Japan last week.
The article below has been selected from the 