Aikido, through its focus on Ki (chinese chi) has gone further than many martial arts to clarify the precise principles and steps involved in achieving mind body unification including the identification of these 4 specific principles. (more…)

There are five principles in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (aikido with mind and body corrdinated) which form the nucleus of the arts an aikidoka might perform. The principles also may be used in daily life during interaction with other individuals. These principles are: (more…)

In 1978, an essay entitled “Collection of Sayings by Motobu Choki” was published in Japanese. This essay is based upon the oral teachings of Motobu Choki to his students, and was overseen by one direct student of Motobu, namely Marukawa Kenji. Let us now take a look at these “oral transmissions.” (more…)

Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952 founder of Shito-Ryu) started karate training at the age of 13 under Anko Itosu (1830-1915), the man who organized early karate in the Okinawan school system. Itosu was a student of one of Okinawas most famous karate masters, Sokon Matsumura (1792-1887), (more…)

Tode did not develop from the way of Buddhism or Confucianism. In the recent past Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu were brought over from China. They both have similar strong points, so, before there are too many changes, I should like to write these down. (more…)

Chojun Sensei emphasized that with each punch, strike, or kick, the mind and the tanden (a spot just below the navel) must be used together, in harmony.

He spoke painstakingly about (more…)