Interview with Morihiro Saito (9th Dan)
by Mark Binder
Mark Binder & Morihiro Saito
Several years ago I had the opportunity to interview Saito Sensei at a seminar.
BINDER: What do you think the most important Aikido technique is?
SAITO: “They’re all very important, but the one that makes people really get good is Shihonage, because you have the way of movement and the way of using weapons in Shihonage. O Sensei used to always say you can never do enough shihonage.”
Q: What is it that makes a strong shihonage?
A: “Kokyho. And the hips.”
Q: Can you explain Kokyho?
A: “You can’t really see it. You can’t really show it.”
A Zen Master is visiting New York City
He goes up to a hot dog vendor and says, “Make me one with everything.”
The hot dog vendor fixes a hot dog and hands it to the Zen Master, who pays with a $20 bill. The vendor puts the bill in the cash box and closes it.
“Where’s my change?” asks the Zen Master.
The vendor responds, “Change must come from within.”
Dummy’s Guide to Aikido Definitions
Aikido The art of unity with the ground.
Aikido The way of blending energy The Aikidoka (one who practices Aikido) attempts to become one with the mat by being thrown into it repeatedly in the hope that s/he will merge with the mat. This usually doesn’t happen, so the process must be repeated. Frequently.
Tatami Commonly thought to mean “mat” this is actually a Japanese curse. The confusion arose from Westerners visiting dojos in Japan and hearing people scream “tatami” as they unsuccessfully blended with the mat. Read more
How many Aikido students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Q: How many Aikido students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: Two. One to perform the technique, and the other to take the fall.
Q: How many Aikido students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: Three: two to practice, and one to correct the mistakes.
Q: How many Aikido students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: None. Aikido students don’t attack problems. Read more
The Art of Peace
![The Art of Peace [Book]](http://www.aikindo.com/images/The_Art_of_Peace.jpg "The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba")
The Art of Peace (Book)
“You do not have to be an Aikido practitioner or martial artist to appreciate the inspiring messages presented in Ueshiba’s words. Ueshiba believed that the real way of the warrior is based on the compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature, and thus his teachings are not strictly for the warrior, they are for the human race.”—Qi Journal
“This book is a ‘must’ for all students of O’sensei’s philosophy and hence—I would say—for all Aikidoka.”—Aikido Today
Book Description
The real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature. So taught the great Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Aikido is a disciple Ueshiba called the “Art of Peace.” It offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict, and he believed that Aikido principles could be applied to all the challenges we face in life—in personal and business relationships, as well as in our interactions with society. These succinct and pithy teachings are drawn from his talks and writings. The collection is compiled by the renowned modern Aikidoist John Stevens, a disciple of Ueshiba.
