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This is an amazing still that captures Morihei in mid-air having executed a two-fisted thrust downward. Look at the width and muscularity of his back. In this film from 1955, Morihei leads the class in a series of seldom seen warmups.
Feb
28
Morihei Ueshiba: “An Amazing Photo”
Feb
28
Video: Systema with Martin Wheeler: “Structure breaking using strikes”
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This is a video shot in Dublin, Ireland, in February 2013, in which Systema instructor Martin Wheeler demonstrates how to break his opponent’s body structure through targeted strikes to key muscle groups of the body. Interesting food for thought for aikidoka…
Feb
28
Morihei Ueshiba: “The Aim of Aiki is to Banish Fighting, Warfare and Violence”
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During and immediately after the war, Morihei had for the first time in years the opportunity to devote himself to farming, personal training, and meditation. It was in this country 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. These techniques were infused with Morihei’s heartfelt belief that the true purpose of Aikido is to banish, fighting, warfare and violence…
Feb
28
Video: Aikido Hakama Folding Guide
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A useful video guide for aikidoka for learning how to properly fold their hakama. The hakama is the pleated-skirt traditionally worn by aikidoka who have attained the ranking of black belt. Video courtesy of Aikido Australia and the Cagayan Aikido Dojo. Also, a chart by John Scherpenzeel showing the hakama folding process in picture form…
Feb
28
Chronology of the Life of Morihei Ueshiba by Stanley Pranin
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Stanley Pranin has created a detailed chronology of the life of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. The major events in the life of Morihei Ueshiba, including his associations with Sokaku Takeda, Onisaburo Deguchi, and other key figures are documented. It becomes much easier to follow the key events in the evolution of Morihei Ueshiba’s early martial arts training, the Aiki Budo period, and the emergence of modern aikido following World War II with the historical facts laid out like this in chart form…
Feb
27
Morihei Ueshiba: “The Sword and the Kiai!”
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O-Sensei demonstrates the sword and emits a powerful kiai to overcome uke’s resistence. The kiai, or combative shout, was an important part of the Founder’s execution of aikido techniques. Its practice has fallen into disuse today.
Feb
27
Real Samurai Sword Technique – Cutting BB Gun pellet by Isao Machii… 3.1 million views
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Real Samurai Sword Technique – Cutting BB Gun pellet by Isao Machii… 2.7 million views — Japanese sword expert Isao Machii cuts a white BB shot at him with a slice of his katana. Is this a trick or an amazing demonstration of skill? You be the judge…
Feb
27
Rendez-vous with Adventure: “O-Sensei Meets the Cowboys,” by Stanley Pranin
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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…
Feb
27
Morihei Ueshiba: “The American is pinned and gasping for air!”
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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.
Feb
27
Morihei in Osaka in 1935: “Alertness… concentration, the essence of zanshin”
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The tachiwaza or standing techniques in the film are full of exuberence. In the above photo, Morihei completes a throw while being fully extended. This moment is called zanshin or “lingering spirit” where one’s concentration continues beyond the completion of the technique.
Feb
27
Video: Marc Bachraty of Cercle Tissier demonstrates at World Combat Games, Beijing 2010
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In this video, Marc Bachraty demonstrates at World Combat Games, Beijing 2010. He is an assistant teacher at the Cercle Tissier and one of the Uke of Shihan Christian Tissier during the demonstrations at Bercy, France…
Feb
26
Morihei Ueshiba at 51: “Seizing the initiative faced with multiple attackers”
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Morihei launches a defense against about 12 attackers in this still shot toward the end of the film. His movement is accompanied by a loud, high-pitched kiai which focuses his attention and disturbs the concentration of his attackers.