Aikido--Its Heart and Appearance

Foreword

The Aikildo population keeps growing every year. Almost everybody knows Aikido at least by name these days. Newspaper, television and a number of publications are contribution to its growing popularity. This is a really gratifying phenomenon. However, when thinking about the future of

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Aikido 20 to 30 years hence, we-Aikido devotees-must constanty watch its growth with a noncomplacent attitude. Such attitude is necessary because we must choose the optimum form and process of Aikido development in treading the path to fulfiment of the art. The task of getting the true spirit and accurate techniques of Aikido across is becoming increasingly difficult as the Aikido population increases, particularly in remote areas.

This book has been published to convey to the beginner the 'heart and form' of Aikido in a simple and precise manner. We would be most pleased if the book serves to accomplish two parallel objectives-1) further popularization of Aikido and 2) correct initiation into the art. We hope the book will provide a fruitful reading.

Saito began his aikido training under the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, in Iwama in 1946 after having practiced some kendo, judo and karate. Although other students such as Koichi Tohei trained with Ueshiba for more years than Saito did, Saito's work allowed him to train almost as an uchideshi, for long periods as the only student. From 1946 until Ueshiba’s passing in 1969, Saito served as Ueshiba's assistant in a variety of ways at Iwama while his wife served Mrs. Ueshiba. During Saito’s period as a deshi he taught classes in the Iwama dojo. Before his death Ueshiba gave Morihiro Saito the responsibility of carrying on the teaching at the Iwama dojo and also the position of caretaker of the Aiki Jinja located in Iwama.

Contents

Foreword, Prelude
1 Training Method
1 Basic Information-Manners; Moving on knees; How to hold sword; Uses of 'sword-edge' of hand; Atemi
2 Basic Movements-Body turning; Posture and Hitoemi (Reverse triangular stance); Entering
2 Aiki Techniques
1 Aiki Fencing Art-Sword-swinging exercise (7 examples); Matching exercise (7 examples)
2 Abdominal Breath Power Training-Standing; Against two-man attack; Sitting
3 Holding Techniques
a Dai Ikkyo (arm pin) (Sitting: Shomen-uchi-straight strike at the head-omote-waza-front techniques; Standing: Shomen-uchi Omote-waza; Sitting: Ura-waza (turning techniques); Ushiro Ryote-dori (both hands held from behind); Varied exercise
b Dai-Nikyo (wrist turn)--shomen-uchi Omote-waza & Ura-waza; Mune-dori (lower lapel held)
c Dai-Sankyo (arm twist)--Shkomken-uchi Omote-waza & Ura-waza; Varied exercise No. 1 & No. 2
d Dai-Yonkyo (forearm pin)--Skhomen-uchi omote-waza & uro-waza; varied exercise
e Dai-Gokyo (defense against armed attacks)--Yokomen-uchi Omote-waza & ura-waza
4 Throwing Techniques
a Shihko-nage-Principle of sword; katate-dori (one hand held)
b Irimi-nage (entering throw)-Shomen-uchi; Tachi-dori; Varied exercise
c Kotegaeshi (wrist turn-out)-Principle of sword; Tachi-dori; Tsuki; Varied exercise No. 1 & No. 2
d Koshi-nage (hip throw)-Mune-dori; Ushiro Mune-dori (lower lapel held from behind); Ushiro Ryote-dori
e Jyujigarami (cross-twine throw)-Inward
f Kaiten-nage (Rotary throw)
g Tenchi-nage (Heaven-earth throw)
5 Flow of 'Ki'
6 Happo-giri (Eight-corner cutting)

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