Traditional Aikido-Sword Stick Body Arts--Basic Techniques

by Morihiro Saito

1973

Library's review

(from dust jacket)

As taught by the Founder to the Author, Aikido is an extremely efficient and versatile martial art. It does not rely upon a weapon or weapons but shows that the body movements are the same whether one holds a weapon or not.

The term riai means, literally, a blending of truths. By
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understanding Aikido through riai, one sees that the taijutsu techniques were developed from movements using the sword. Therefore, training with the sword will develop taijustu technique.

The Founder said that a weapon should be used as and extension of the body. However, he stressed that one shokuld not develop a dependence upon a particular weapon. To build this feeling, one should practice the basic exercises of ken and jo suburi, tai no henko, and kokyu dosa consistently. A good understanding of these basic exercises will enabale the practitioner to move smoothly and surely with or without weapons.

Explanations have purposely been kept at a minimum to encourage the reader to use the book as a guide to developing understanding through practice.

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

Introduction
Chapter 1 Basic Method of Aiki Sword (Suburi, Partner Practice with sword, Entering Method, Tai no Henko, Sword & Body Relationship, Kokkyu Ho)
Chapter 2 Basic Method of Aiki Jo (31 Count Kata, Suburi (thrusting, striking, wrist, figure eight, flowing movements), Partner Practice with Jo)
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ISBN

870402668

Publication

Minato Research and Publishing Company
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