Product Details

• Directors: Aikido Today Magazine
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Studio: Tapeworm
• VHS Release Date: March 1, 2000
• ASIN: B00004STBH
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,189 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

In this video, Saotome Sensei- a direct student of Aikido's legendary founder- demonstrates and explains the sword movements on which many of Aikido's empty-hand techniques rest. After discussing the basics of grip and stance, Saotome Sensei illuminates some fundamental principles (such as that of marubashi) and offers a sequence of bokken suburi (uncomplicated exercises with the wooden sword). He then demonstrates the 15 kumitachi (complex patterns for two) that are the backbone of his sword instruction. (The first five kumitachi, which he regards as basic, are explained in detail.) There is something here for all who are interested in Aikido- from its most advanced students to those who simply enjoy watching it for its efficiency, elegance, and beauty. Sensei explains sword basics, outlines philosophical principles (such as marubashi), illustrates simple sword movements (suburi), and demonstrates the paired movements (kumitachi) on which his instructional system rests. The first five kumitachi are demonstrated and discussed in detail.