Click here to watch the video of Morihei Ueshiba with highlights from films made between 1952-1958
A perfectly executed suwariwaza ikkyo omotewaza with Morihei’s son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, as uke in this 1952 film shot in Wakayama. Note the extension of both arms and movement from the center.
Dec
16
Morihei Ueshiba: “A perfectly executed ikkyo!”
Dec
16
Morihei Ueshiba in film: “Takemusu Aiki”… Aikido’s Highest Level
Click here to watch highlights of films of O-Sensei from 1952-1958
From 1942 to 1955, Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba spent most of his time in his country home with attached dojo in Iwama, Ibaragi Prefecture. During and immediately after the war, Morihei had for the first time in years the opportunity to devote himself to personal training and meditation. It was in this isolated village, far from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, that Morihei formulated the concept of “Takemusu Aiki.” This was an expression of his ideal of the highest level of aikido where techniques perfectly suited to the immediate circumstances surge forth spontaneously. In the films from this era, you will see the Founder’s aikido at its finest.
Dec
16
Video: Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba demonstrates Shomenuchi Kotegaeshi
Click here to watch Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba execute shomenuchi kotegaeshi
Aikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba demonstrates the Shomenuchi Kotegaeshi technique at normal speed and in slow motion. The present Doshu is the grandson of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, and son of the Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. He is the family heir to the art of aikido and head of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo organization.
Dec
15
Master Ueshiba takes the large foreigner by the hand to demonstrate the effectiveness of aikido technique
Click here to watch Master Ueshiba effortlessly deal with the large American
Master Ueshiba takes Lee Green by the hand and personally shows him the true effectiveness of aikido techniques. The large American finds himself helpless in an unescapable pin gasping for air.
Dec
15
The American Cowboy challenges Koichi Tohei to a match!
Click here to watch the “match” between Herman and Tohei Sensei
Documentary film producer Lee Green and Herman start aikido training at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo under the guidance of Morihei Ueshiba. Curiosity gets the better of Herman who challenges Koichi Tohei to a “match.” 190 pounds vs. 126 pounds! How will this end?!
Dec
15
Video: Rendez-vous with Adventure — “O-Sensei Meets the Cowboys,” by Stanley Pranin
Click here to watch the video of the two “Cowboys” training under Morihei Ueshiba
When I first saw the “Rendez-vous with Adventure” film featuring Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Two “cowboys” from America — actually documentary film producers — are welcomed into the inner sanctum of the Ueshiba home and the Aikikai Hombu Dojo during their visit in 1958. What followed was unbelievable!
Dec
15
Morihei Ueshiba in 1935: “The Last Spectacular Throw”
Click here to watch the video with highlights of Morihei Ueshiba’s prewar film
This photo is a screenshot from the last spectacular throw from the 1935 Asahi News Dojo film. Once again, the Founder issues a piercing kiai as he sends a burst of energy into his attackers with a flourish. Here you see the result.
Dec
14
Free PDF Download: Aiki News Number 62, July 1984
Aiki News Number 62, July 1984
Contents
● Editorial – Shirata and Mochizuki Senseis, by Stanley Pranin Click here to download free PDF through December 14, 2012
● Interview with Rinjiro Shirata, by Stanley Pranin
● Heard in the Dojo
● Morihiro Saito Technical Notebook — Eridori kokyunage oyowaza, by Morihiro Saito
● O-Sensei Biography — “The Budo Enhancement Association and Takeda Dojo”, by Kisshomaru Ueshiba
● Minoru Mochizuki Pictorial, by Stanley Pranin
● Letters to the Editor
Dec
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Prewar Aikido: Jukenjutsu, bayonet techniques
Click here to watch Morihei Ueshiba’s demonstrate against a mock bayonet attack
The weapon being used in the above photo is the juken, sometimes called a mokuju, which means a mock or replica rifle with bayonet. Morihei would teach many techniques using this weapon in his courses at the various military institutions where he taught martial arts and tactics in the prewar period.
Dec
14
Video: The Founder in Action — “Morihei’s Technical Tour de Force”
Click here to watch the video of Morihei’s 1935 Osaka film
I sat down in the viewing room while the operator threaded the film into the 16mm projector. Then the lights were dimmed and the projector started rolling making a loud clattering sound. The titles flickered across the screen accompanied by rather grandiose music, and I settled into my seat holding my breath. Then a short, muscular man with a balding head walked briskly onto the mat and bowed to his students. I felt the tears well up in my eyes because at that moment I realized I was watching Morihei at 51 years of age!
Dec
14
“Strut your stuff,” by Stanley Pranin
It is impossible to post a video on aikido technique without drawing criticism. Often, this will come from anonymous posters. This is the case whether the video clip features Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, or a lowly kyu rank. There are no exceptions.
Therefore, I hereby extend to you this invitation. If you would like to submit a criticism of someone’s technique, why not silence all critics by creating a video of your own as a rebuttal, and exhibit your superior skill level?
Dec
13
Another nice screenshot from the Morihei Ueshiba documentary shot it Iwama
Click here to watch the video featuring Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba
The Master quickly moves his body sensing the opponent’s flow of ki and executes a technique by harmonizing his power. Each movement although appearing to be unrelated is a wonderful technique which depends on the essence and principles of Aikido.
