Strikes are an inefficient method of ending a fight. However, they are a significant part of most fights, and a solider must have an understanding of fighting at striking range. It is important to note that while at striking range, you are open to being struck. For this reason, it is often better to avoid striking range.
– US Army Field Manual (on hand to hand combat)… and just to be fair to the good folk at the International Shinkendo Federation, here is their latest, very cool, promo vid. Remember: this be real sword work folks, so enjoy (even if it was made extra dramatic for the cameras!)
Posted Aug 2011 by jls-editorial-staff
Whilst watching Rising Sun the other night — Hollywood’s greatest example of why 2nd generation nikkei Californians don’t pass for native Japanese — lo and behold who do I see in a bit role? None other than Toshishiro Obata, founder of Shinkendo!
I’m sure IMDB would have told me the same thing but nonetheless I was surprised to see him in all his “sunglasses at night” glory. Twas a shame he wasn’t in any action sequences though.
Interestingly IMDB credits him as “oyabun”. Not sure I know of any Yakuza bosses who guard the front desk at the local Soapland. Then again, I don’t know any Yakuza bosses … or do I? - Ed
Posted Aug 2011 by jls-editorial-staffEarly Aikido pioneers Taking uke for O-Sensei
Imagine our surprise when we discovered this rare footage of Shioda Gozo and Tohei Koichi taking uke for Morihei Ueshiba. The footage was filmed at the Aikikai Hombu in Shinjuku in 1952, only two years after the ban on martial arts was lifted.
At the time, the Aikikai was yet to organise themselves and Shioda & Tohei were the most prominent promulgators of the Art in Japan.
Shioda has been highlighted in the footage with Tohei appearing to his left in most shots. We hope you enjoy it!
Posted May 2011 by jls-editorial-staff
Domo-kun Gettin’ His Dogi On
138/365 Domo at the latest Aikido Belt Ceremony by Chris Gritti on Flickr.
(Source: itslazlo)
Posted May 2011 by jls-editorial-staff
Kobudo vs Rugby
Interesting how Yoshinori Kono’s explanation of kobudo principles gels closely with movement strategy in Aikido. No bracing, no force against force, no telegraphing, avoidance and change of direction.
Admittedly, I was worried about the lithe 60 year old being sent flying by 100kg plus High School rugby players. Video from NHK’s Samurai Spirit Kobudo.
NB: As a sidenote, Nicholas Pettas has great, natural sounding Japanese. Sounds much more fluent than Steven Segal.
Posted May 2011 by jls-editorial-staff
A great old photo of Gozo Shioda, founder of Yoshinkan Aikido throwing Tsutomu Chida, his former deshi and founder of Renshinkai Aikido … ahh the memories!
Posted Mar 2011 by jls-editorial-staff
