Aikido VS Kick Boxing
March 7, 2008 by Aikidoka
Filed under Aikido Videos

Guy in all white: Kick Boxing VERSUS Guy with the hakama (black skirt): Aikido
We are not the author of this video, just posted it. It’s Fabio Branno.
Video from : AikidoEdintorni Site.
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Morihei Ueshiba & Morihiro Saito
by Stanley Pranin – Aikido Journal #101 (1994)

Shomen Portrait of Morihei Ueshiba
The following article was prepared with the kind assistance of Dan Palmer of the UK.
Few individuals have so thoroughly investigated the origins of aikido as Aiki News’ own editor-in-chief Stanley Pranin. In this series, originally written for publication in the Japanese-language magazine Wushu, Pranin recounts some of the highlights of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba’s long career through his association with his teachers and leading students. Part eight focuses on Morihiro Saito, keeper of the Aiki Shrine in Iwama, who has done much to classify and systematize the aikido he learned during fifteen years of training with O-Sensei.
The process of technical diversification began in aikido even before the death of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Among the tendencies prevalent in aikido today are the soft approach emphasizing circular or ki no nagare techniques of Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the so-called hard-style school of Yoshinkan aikido headed by Gozo Shioda Sensei, the emphasis on the concept of ki of Shinshin Toitsu aikido as espoused by Koichi Tohei Sensei, the eclectic system of Minoru Mochizuki Sensei of Yoseikan aikido, and the sports aikido system devised by Kenji Tomiki Shihan, which includes competition. To these must be added the unified technical curriculum formulated by 9th dan Aikikai shihan Morihiro Saito. Saito Sensei’s approach, which stresses the inter-relationship between empty-handed techniques and weapons (aiki ken and jo), has become a de facto standard for many aikido practitioners throughout the world. This has been due largely to the success of his many books on aikido techniques and his extensive foreign travels.

Morihei Ueshiba and Morihito Saito
Introduction to aikido
Morihiro Saito was a skinny, unimpressive lad of eighteen when he first met Morihei Ueshiba in sleepy Iwama Village in July 1946. It was shortly after the end of World War II and practice of the martial arts was prohibited by the GHQ. The founder had been “officially” retired in Iwama for several years, although in reality he was engaged in intensive shugyo in these secluded surroundings. Indeed, it was during the Iwama years during and after the war that Morihei Ueshiba was in the process of perfecting modem aikido.
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.”
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


