best aikido you have seen [Archive] - AikiWeb Aikido Forums

MitchMZ

04-04-2005, 02:49 PM

Mitsugi Saotome. I haven't experienced Christian Tissier's technique in real life, but his Aikido looks, well, awesome. Of course, I'm probably way biased because I've always loved their flavors of Aikido. I've also heard lots of great things about Koichi Tohei and Akira Tohei.

ChristianBoddum

04-04-2005, 04:24 PM

Textbook Aikido - Koichi Tohei , dont´t know from what year , probably the 60´s ,
I use it as inspiration - not technically - but simply inspiration.
Seems to be a very golden time for Tohei , Ki - flow - speed - atemi , it´s all there.
Christian Tissier is always an inspiration , bear in mind he has very good ukes.

Brian Vickery

04-04-2005, 04:34 PM

What is the best aikido you have seen?

...the best that I've actually SEEN personally is that of Hiroshi Ikeda. I've been to many of his seminars and I'm always amazed by what he does out there on the mat!

...he gets my vote!

Goye

04-04-2005, 05:02 PM

Yamada Sensei,.. basic and powerfull Aikido.

raul rodrigo

04-04-2005, 08:45 PM

Seigo Yamaguchi is my favorite.

Misogi-no-Gyo

04-04-2005, 09:49 PM

....?

Um, that would be O-Sensei. The rest pales in comparison.

John Houck

04-04-2005, 09:55 PM

Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba
Masatake Fujita Shihan
Sensei Dang Thong Phong

Hardware

04-04-2005, 11:28 PM

....?

Um, that would be O-Sensei. The rest pales in comparison.

What have you "seen" of O'Sensei's Aikido? I've only seen some choppy short video clips off the Internet that I am sure, did not do him, or his Aikido justice. Is there good footage available, somewhere?

Charles Hill

04-05-2005, 12:12 AM

Is there good footage available, somewhere?

Hi Howard,

At the end of the month, Honbu dojo is going to hold their yearly O`Sensei movie night. I believe it is on a Sat. There is a message posted on the first floor right now with details.

have fun,
Charles

Hardware

04-05-2005, 12:18 AM

Hmmm? Maybe I should make my Sensei go with me...

maikerus

04-05-2005, 12:36 AM

That's interesting. Can anyone go? or do you have to be a member?

--Michael

batemanb

04-05-2005, 01:38 AM

Do you mean seen personally, i.e. being there in the dojo watching/ experiencing, or do you mean seen on video/ DVD, or combination of both?

For me being there personally in class, in no particular order, Nakao Sensei, Endo Sensei, Ueshiba Moriteru Doshu, Tada Sensei, Matsuda Sensei, Nojima Sensei, Koyama Sensei, Uchikoshi Sensei, Osawa Sensei, Tanaka Sensei. I've been uke to all except Tada Sensei, Toyoda Sensei and Matsuda Sensei. I'm not trying to write a who's who list, or look at who I've trained with, but they have all been excellent at what they do and thoroughly enjoyable to train with and learn from. There are many others too, especially here in the UK, Bob Spence, Alan Sanders, Aubrey Smith, Tom Moss, Keith Downs.

On video, of course Ueshiba Morihei and Ueshiba Kisshomaru, Saotome Sensei, Yamada Sensei, Chiba Sensei, Yamaguchi Sensei, Tissier Sensei, Isoyama Sensei, Shioda Gozo Sensei, Fujita Sensei and Nishio Sensei to name a few, and more that I've forgotten.

There are so many good exponents of the art above that I couldn't even begin to compare them, list them in some kind of order of bestness, or choose one. But, if I had to say which one inspires me most, ruling out O Sensei, it would be Yamaguchi Sensei and his students, Endo Sensei and Nakao Sensei :).

Regards

Bryan (the namedropper) :D

Paul

04-05-2005, 05:23 AM

Tamura Sensei for ispiration and a glimpse at the unattainable.

At hombu Osawa sensei.

For fun Iwagaki sensei.

Jonathan Punt

04-05-2005, 06:13 AM

I second Tamura Sensei.

Different league to anybody Ive seen in the flesh.

Brion Toss

04-05-2005, 09:30 AM

Years ago I was in a band, and one night we were playing in a bar, the kind of place where they have a wire fence between the band and the audience. Not, I might add, our typical venue. In the course of the night, we saw the bouncers earning their keep. But near the end of the evening I saw one patron start shoving another. After the second shove he dove in for a tackle, and the shovee executed the loveliest little micro-kaitenage I've ever seen. Bouncers moved in, both parties were escorted out.
I've seen lots of beautiful Aikido on the mat, but that was the best practical application I've witnessed.
Yours,
Brion Toss

Ki No Nagare

04-05-2005, 01:10 PM

The best student of Tamura Sensei: Peyrache Sensei, 7th Dan

followed lots of lessons of that sensei, and ones did a nikyo on me when I only did 2 months of Aikido.

Painful but beautiful...

stuartjvnorton

04-05-2005, 10:30 PM

Seen in the flesh?
I'd have to say Takeno Sensei.
Wouldn't like to be one of his uke (well, I would but I'd get killed in a hurry), but amazing to watch.

Charles Hill

04-06-2005, 02:05 AM

Hi Micheal,

I don`t know the technical answer to your question, but no one is going to ask you if you are a member. I would say go and have fun. The movies, though, are the same ones that Aikinews puts out.

Charles

Mark Balogh

04-06-2005, 06:04 AM

I second Tamura Sensei.

Different league to anybody Ive seen in the flesh.

I'd third that, he is living aiki. The effect on a room when he walks in is quite amazing! :)

On video I would have to say O'Sensei, Koichi Tohei, Kisaburo Osawa and Seigo Yamaguchi. :ai: :ki: :do:

samurai_kenshin

04-07-2005, 10:11 AM

in no real order...

Saito Sensei
Anno Sensei
Patricia Hendricks Sensei (I train under her and taking ukemi for her is...amazing for lack of a more powerful word)
I've obviously never seen O-Sensei in the flesh (i'm only 13) but i think his would probably make all else wither away...

:ai::ki::do: forever

rulemaker

04-07-2005, 11:19 AM

The best i have personally seen demonstrate is Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba!!

Christian Tissier would be next followed by Yoshiaki Yokota Shihan.

Takuan

05-04-2005, 10:14 PM

The video of O Sensei holding a Jo with 4 people pushing at one side to get it off his grip and failing to do so. It is really, really inspiring! Shikanai Sensei here from Brazil says he saw this demonstration when he was very young and that only O Sensei could do this. He was really one of a kind. The founder of this art, nobody even comes close!

Aran Bright

05-04-2005, 10:54 PM

Unfortunately I can only vote from video footage.

"Budo" o'sensei is by far the best i have seen

Patricia Hendricks Sensei does one of the most moving demo's i've seen.

One of the instructors from Brisbane yoshinkan (sorry forgot his name) for biggest distance covered in a throw (barring o'sensei)

Doran sensei most suttle movements (what exactly is he doing???)

Textbooks? I have to agree Tohei and Kishomaru Ueshiba sensei's are tied.

In the flesh? Well there is a certain Doshu coming to Australia this year...

Aran

Bronson

05-05-2005, 01:56 AM

There's this guy in our class who is an alien in his own body. He has no concept of where he is in space. His joints are almost always locked and rigid. After a couple of years he still has trouble with many of the basics. Every once in a while though it will all fall into place and he'll do a great technique....that's the aikido I love to see.

Bronson

takusan

05-05-2005, 02:36 AM

Best aikidoka I've seen - me.
I'm always truly amazed that I can walk across the mat without falling over.
Everytime I look in the mirror, I feel humbled in my own presence - how could some one like me, have the arrogance to try and teach such a wonderful art as aikido.

All this came about (no, not in a cold sweat) after seeing Patricia Hendricks Sensei at a local (New Zealand) seminar.
She really is good, isn't she. Hell, I'd just like to be able to fold her hakama for her.

Worst still, she has been training for about the same length of time as me.

THATS, how I feel about aikido.
Imagine when you realise that there are others out there like Hendricks Sensei - that allows you to see an even bigger picture of aikido, and your place within it.

Her and others like her (ie - those that you all have mention) is why I feel humbled. Why I feel amazed.
There is so much to learn, even after three decades.

All due to a single man - O sensei. :ai:

john.burn

05-05-2005, 03:08 AM

For me it would be Hiroshi Ikeda sensei without doubt. Also alongside Ikeda sensei I would have to add Tom Moss, my own Aikido teacher. Christian Tissier is very good, I uke'd for him a few times a few years back in the Rockies as he was wondering round the groups.

makuchg

05-05-2005, 05:08 AM

I would second Saito Sensei. His power and grace are awesome. It can be frustrating because he is effortless in his movements and I feel like I'm tripping over myself sometimes.

seank

05-05-2005, 05:34 AM

Sugano Shihan gets my vote... his Aikido is always fascinating to watch, he is a fountain of knowledge, and he has this amazing ability to magically appear at your side when you don't get your feet right ;)

neb1979

05-05-2005, 07:48 AM

batemanb

05-05-2005, 07:58 AM

If anybody has any suggestions on were I could obtain video footage of Aikido in general I would be very appreciative. Thanks :)

You could start here

http://www.aikidojournal.com/catalog/catalog.php?category=7

There are more here

http://www.aikido-world.com/highlights/bv/videos.htm

More here

http://www.aikidoonline.com

And more here

http://www.budovideos.com/shop/customer/home.php?cat=276&page=1

Regards

Bryan :D

samurai_kenshin

05-06-2005, 09:34 AM

I would second Saito Sensei. His power and grace are awesome. It can be frustrating because he is effortless in his movements and I feel like I'm tripping over myself sometimes.
I am tripping over myself :wink:

samurai_kenshin

05-07-2005, 12:16 PM

Hey Darin,

. If anybody has any suggestions on were I could obtain video footage of Aikido in general I would be very appreciative. Thanks :)

On the dojo website, we plan to post a blooper page, but that's probably not what you want...Other than that, Those ones a little up the page actually look good (I checked 'em)

Hardware

05-08-2005, 09:05 PM

I had the privilege of seeing Ueshiba Doshu yesterday at a joint practice/demonstration in Kamakura. He is by far the most powerful and graceful I have ever seen. A truly pivotal experience.

05-09-2005, 07:08 AM

In my small world of hands-on experience, I'd say Chuck Clark sensei and Gaku Homma sensei.

For more time spent with someone, I'd say my first teacher, Steve Duncan sensei.

Mark

p00kiethebear

05-09-2005, 08:59 AM

Tamura Sensei for ispiration and a glimpse at the unattainable.

I also have to cast my vote to Tamura Sensei.

The most inspiring aikido i've seen.

What i loved the most though was just how happy he looked when he was teaching. It didn't just seem like a face he put on for a seminar. He was really into what he was doing and loving it. My goal for my senior years is to be as up and active as he is when I get to be his age.

darin

05-09-2005, 09:29 AM

Hey Darin,

First, thanks for the offer to come and say hello at your dojo :D

The best Aikido I have seen would have to be O' Sensei, then again I really haven't seen that much. I have seen Joe Thambu Sensei, Thambu Sensei is really the only person that I have seen put Aikido into real life situations. I have seen Shioda Sensei as well but would have to go with O' Sensei I have seen some footage of O' Sensei when he was in his 50's and it was more of a harder style than that when he was older. If anybody has any suggestions on were I could obtain video footage of Aikido in general I would be very appreciative. Thanks :)

P.S Darin what nights do you train? I was going to come and say hello.

Hey Ben,

Hope your enjoying your trainnig under Ross.

I have only seen Ueshiba, Shioda and Thambu on video. Another good aikidoist is Nakamura or Nakayama from Tomiki style. Mitchi Mochizuki is also very good. He doesn't really do traditional aikido but will use the basic movements to then go into a jujitsu hip throw or sweep.

I train on Monday and Wednesday nights 7:30pm to 9pm at the PCYC in Scarborough. http://www.geocities.com/yoseikanaikido/

Darin

Abasan

05-09-2005, 10:40 AM

Darin,
You mean Thambu sensei has a video out? Where can i get it?

Personally I haven't seen him but some of my friends have when he came last to Malaysia. I know he's coming again sometime soon for a seminar, but since I'm with aikikai, i probably won't be able to go. Gee so much for peace and harmony rite?

stuartjvnorton

05-09-2005, 07:13 PM

PeterR

05-09-2005, 07:21 PM

Another good aikidoist is Nakamura or Nakayama from Tomiki style.
Do you have more information about these two. Where they train. I know a Nakamura from Shodokan Honbu but I don't think this is who you mean.

dion

05-09-2005, 11:37 PM

In the flesh? I'd have to say TK Chiba and second up Shibata. Of course I'll admit I haven't had the chance to see/train with too many other Sensei. Home is home I guess. Juba Nore (sp?) is another of my favorites.

kyuss23

05-12-2005, 03:25 PM

Joe Thambu Sensei is awesome, it has to be said. Obata Sensei, Chida Sensei and Saito Sensei are defintitely in my top 5 also, along with the obligatory Shioda Sensei.
Though it has to be said I performed the best Aikido EVER only the other day.
Then I woke up face down in my corn flakes.

Osu

stuartjvnorton

05-12-2005, 06:24 PM

Rodurigo

10-11-2005, 12:57 PM

This weekend i atend a seminare. feauturing Sensei Tissier himself. Its the first time i've actually seen him in person and its definetly the BEST performance i've ever seen or felt (yes, he showed me personaly 2 or 3 times). simply amazing. I wish to be able to see tamura sensei someday. For now i cant wait till next year for the visit of doshu Moriteru Ueshiba to Argentina (i'm From Chile) I'm most certanly going across the border seeking his teachings, even if it is only for a few days.

So sorry for my english writing... =(

aikidojoe

10-11-2005, 02:31 PM

In person?

Tamura is always number 1 on my list. It isn't just aikido that he does, it's pure magic. I've heard very high level sensei state that they are just now starting to understand what he's doing. I on the other hand, have no idea, but it's cool as hell....

After him, I would say Osawa, Chiba, and Shibata. Very beautiful, intense, accurate, and powerful stuff.....

I'll always have a soft spot for Kanai, and Yamada.

And the reason I still live in Philly is because of Donovan.

Joe

Mark Uttech

10-11-2005, 04:19 PM

I wonder how many people think that somehow they themselves are second best?

nekobaka

10-11-2005, 05:40 PM

Just from video, Yamada sensei
in person and amazing to watch, Ikeda sensei
best instructor and human being(in my experience) Nomura sensei
Outside of Osaka, probably no one has heard of him though.

Michael Varin

10-11-2005, 05:41 PM

I have trained with several 6th dans and above, but none have impressed me more than these.
The best I have:
Taken ukemi from: Patrick Cassidy Sensei, Larry Reynosa Sensei, Haruo Matsuoka Sensei.

Seen in person, but no ukemi: Morihiro Saito Sensei

Only seen on video: Steven Seagal (old dojo footage not movies)

Michael

PeterR

10-11-2005, 05:56 PM

best instructor and human being(in my experience) Nomura sensei Outside of Osaka, probably no one has heard of him though.
Hey I've heard of him. :D Damm hard to move and very hospitable when I visited his dojo - spent a lot of time with me. In Osaka the best Aikikai guy (with respect to Aikido performance) in my opinion is Kimura sensei. In fact his Aikido is some of the best I've seen. I liked Chiba very much the one time I trained with him and of course I am still shocked and awed by my own teacher.

Rupert Atkinson

10-11-2005, 06:04 PM

I have seen many Aikido teachers - the best for me was Terry Ezra (UK) becuase he would really try to show you how to do what he could do (not that I could). Others just show you what they can do.

Other greats I have seen were Master Sken of Muay Thai, Mr. So of Bagua (Tokyo), Dan Innosanto (Escrima), and two or three amazing Silat teachers - incredible men. One of the most fascinating martial arts I have seen - several times - is Indian Kalari (takes you back to the past - lineage means nothing as it comes right up to the present; it shows that youngsters can be real masters of a battlefield art).

Keith R Lee

10-11-2005, 07:34 PM

Ando sensei.

mathewjgano

10-11-2005, 08:58 PM

I have a fairly limited frame of reference, but my sensei, Koichi Barrish can be quite amazing. I really like Saotome-sensei's movements too, but I haven't seen him in person.

Adam Huss

10-11-2005, 10:00 PM

Hey, you woudn't be reffering to Hiroshi Nakano Sensei?

Matt Molloy

10-12-2005, 02:32 AM

PeterKang

10-12-2005, 02:53 AM

The best aikido which I have seen live is from Tada Hiroshi shihan. Still so vigorous and powerful in his advanced age.

My favorite aikido to watch is that of Christian Tissier shihan (IAF 2004)

The best feel I had from taking ukemi was equally with Horii Etsuji shihan and Endo Seishiro shihan ( for different reasons.) :hypno:

markwalsh

10-12-2005, 05:23 AM

Which aikido instructor most exemplifies the principles and philosophy of aikido - both on the mat and in their life? Who is respected and loved, not just for their technique but how they treat their students?

This was the criteria I used to choose my affiliation, after traveling around the country and seeing various people. My answer: William Smith Shihan.

Charles Cunningham

10-12-2005, 07:45 AM

The best aikidoists I've seen:

Don Angier--soft, subtle, and effective. 25 years later, I'm still trying to figure out some of the techniques he demonstrated.

Gozo Shioda--incredibly powerful aikido.

Clyde Takeguchi--small movements with subtle weight shifts

Mits Yamashita--probably the most martially effective aikido I've ever seen.

Ron Tisdale

10-12-2005, 07:54 AM

Hey Charles! Good to read you!

Had a wonderfull time training with you...I didn't know you had such a varied background! There's another thread where I mentioned Yamashita Sensei, and someone asked about his rank. You don't know his current rank, do you?

Best,
Ron

dyffcult

10-13-2005, 12:08 AM

Those that I have taken ukemi from...and trained with, regardless of rank who create beautiful and powerful aikido:

Morihro Saito, amazing power, talent, and technique, and a true desire to instruct all people, including me. Also, a very gentle soul. The man taught me a great deal.

Hitohiro Saito, amazing power, talent, and technique, and a great desire to instruct the novice. Also a very compassionate soul. The man taught me more than he will ever know.

Patrick Cassidy, amazing power, talent, and technique, and a gentle sense of the art. Patrick has the most amazing energy I have ever met. And has inspired me throughout my life just by my memories of his very being.

Miles Kessler, amazing power, talent, great technique, and more patience than I have ever seen in an instructor for anything anywhere. This man could teach a stone to sing if he so desired. Miles has a gentle soul but incredible power. A force of nature incarnate. And one of my favorite teachers.

Pat Hendricks, amazing power, talent, and technique, and just an amazing power. Wow! Pat is quite possibly the largest force of nature I have ever encountered. She inspires me to be all that any woman can be....any person can be.

These are my teachers, and I honor them.

There are a number of other aikidokas whom I admire from their posts on this board, and I hope to train with them someday. This includes multiple degree blackbelts to 6th kyu beginners.

Brenda

David Yap

10-13-2005, 02:21 AM

Hi,

IMHO, the best aikido must be felt (i.e. having personally been thrown/locked) rather than seen. By sight, a 6th kyu's aikido and a 6th dan's aikido are on opposite ends of a scale. By feel (soft, subtle and leave you wondering how you ended up airborne or on the mat), they should also be on opposite ends of a scale.

IMO, good aikido equals soft, subtle and effective - minimum effort with precise kuzushi. Power comes from the heart, regulated by the mind, absolute control over ones ego and emotion. To feel good aikido, one has to take honest ukemi - no choreographed moves and no charity fall. One just does not have the will and ability to counter - no opening to do so in the first place.

At the last 9th IAF in Tokyo, I resolved myself to take ukemi from senior shihan. At the opportunity, I would make a beeline to the shihan sitting at the edge of the mat. I was granted the opportunities to feel the "magics" of Tada, Tamura, Isoyama and Nakao shihans and had my techniques jammed by them. Those were great learning experiences, absolutely out of the scale and humbling ones too.

Best training

David Y

Mats Alritzson

10-13-2005, 02:44 AM

Miles Kessler, he taught me the concept of ukemi and that it's more to it than taking a fall. Very good bukiwaza.

And I would like to add Lewis de Quiros. I hope the seminar this weekend in Copenhagen is going to be as good as last year.

There's others. But if I start to mention one of them I have to mention them all.

PaulieWalnuts

10-13-2005, 03:50 AM

HITOHIRO(THE H-BOMB) SAITO SENSEI.
Easily the best teacher ive ever had or seen by far (apart from his father of course)
You can see in his classes how much passion he has for teaching and love for new students, He has really learnt a great teaching method from his father. My last stays in Iwama where the best time in my life, apart from the lack of sex in my life at the time but thats uchideshi for ya. His weapons are now second to none and his memory of Osensie and his teaching is still huge. His body form is so identical to that of the founders, when you see Osensei standing in hanmi holding bokken and then see H the 2 look so alike in posture.

2ND would have to be DANIEL TOUTAIN SENSIE, head of Iwama France. His expericance and history in Aikido is huge, trains and teaches exactley to Hitohiros way, a carbon copy, plus with his long history of training in the aikikai makes him a very good alrounder in aikido, not only is his kinonage very fluid but its now also solid. his uchideshi system is fantastic. and his weapons are 2nd only to the H bomb.

Patrick Cassidy for stopping my mind from being to closed

Kutisake

10-16-2005, 11:27 AM

The best aikido that I have seen by my own eyes was demonstrated by my aikido teacher Botov.S.M. This videos u can see on iwamaivanovo.ru

Charles Cunningham

10-16-2005, 09:48 PM

Ron--

Mits Yamashita was promoted to 6th dan sometime in the past couple of years.

Charles

Darren

10-20-2005, 12:48 PM

Andy Squires sensei always amazes me with what he does.

ad_adrian

10-22-2005, 05:59 AM

i have seen some great aikido from
usihiba,gozo,sensei joe

but the best as of today was
the 50 years of yoshinkan aikido,
mori sensei's demonstration on that night was unbeleivable.

Martin Ruedas

11-21-2005, 02:38 AM

Nishio Sensei, Tada Sensei, the current Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.

I think they are the best that I've seen although I've only seen them in videos.

and of course, O' Sensei!

Nick Simpson

11-21-2005, 04:35 AM

I'd agree with Mr Smith as someone who is loved as well as respected, I'd also say that Shihan's Terry Bayliss and Ken Cottier are the same.

Ali B

11-27-2005, 09:32 AM

Well, I have been lucky enough to practice with some fantastic teachers, including Tissier but I would have to say Endo Sensei. I went to his seminar in Granada, Spain 2 years running, it was an experience I won't forget. I would love to be able to go this year. I cant explain what made him stand out but its something wonderful - there just are no words. I was dreaming about it for weeks after, as were others I went with? :hypno:

Love and light
Ali

ccain85

11-27-2005, 04:24 PM

i am goin to go with Saotome sensei or Ikeda sensei. both of these guys totally amaze me. but i am also found of Kevin Choate sensei's aikido for some reason.

ccain85

12-02-2005, 02:19 PM

aww, come on, lets not let this thread stop people

Fabian Junker

03-15-2006, 01:18 PM

Hi,

in responce to the previous posting, I decided to try to revive this thread. Maybe - most certainly - many people have made knew experiences in the meantime.

Personally, the best I have seen and felt is Nomura Sensei from Osaka. Our dojo is lucky enough to be friends with one of his students, Matsu Enemoto. Nomura Sensei visited us last year together with Matsu, he is simply AWESOME! So much patience, so much power, so much precision, and what a friendly and humble person. Hope to be able to train with him again in the future.

On video, of course Shioda, but also Nishio - the man must have been absolutely outstanding - and Ikeda and Saotome Senseis. Also, Steven Seagal and two of his former students, Matsuoka Sensei and Reynosa Sensei.

Regards,
FJ

Fabian Junker

03-15-2006, 01:20 PM

UUPS, almost forgot to add Yamaguchi Sensei, the little footage I have seen looks...umm...amazing.

Lyle Bogin

03-15-2006, 01:50 PM

Well, of course I give props to Imaizumi Sensei, who can do aikido in many different ways depending on his uke.

I also love seing Saito Sensei's aikido on film, and Pat Hendricks.

James Kelly

03-15-2006, 03:21 PM

Terry Dobson

Mark Freeman

03-15-2006, 03:56 PM

I have to put a vote in for Ken Williams Sensei, the first person to be taught aikido in the UK 1955 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and still going strong. Big hearted, powerful, dynamic aikido, and a great teacher.
But to see film of O Sensei is unsurpassed. :D

ikkitosennomusha

03-23-2006, 08:14 AM

Yasuo Kobayashi-shihan

Pookie Pickle

03-24-2006, 05:01 AM

I've seen some pretty awesome people in the 7 months I've been doing Aikido, like: Robert (Bob) Saad Sensei, Claude Berthiaume Sensei, Louise Jalbert Sensei, other cool people like: Tai Sensei, Richard Sensei, Terry Sensei, Scott Roberts too... And Peter Zorzella...haha...(he's Special in a good way (his Aikido Could be described as beautiful :p )) etc.
So these guys -and girl- (especially the big cheeses), are really really good. Like... good, but a whole lot more than that. Like really really good. heh... but, all this goodness being said I haven't really watched them a whole lot. So as awesome as they are, I really have no idea what they're really capable of.
And then there's Gary Roberts Sensei. My Sensei. The person who (in the world of Aikido) has brought me up from basicly nothing. He, is truly amazing. And the better I get in my Aikido, the more I realize how amazing he really is. Not that I am in a position to jugde a person's Aikido, but to me, my Sensei's Aikido is the best I've seen. Not to mention the fact that he's most likely one of the nicest people you could ever meet...............heh even though he's old......hee hee :D
...He has taught me so much and for that I am grateful. :)
ps. I have also seen a few clips of O Sensei. That was so cool.

*** Summary: Gary Roberts' :ai: :ki: :do: ***

brunotex

03-24-2006, 07:36 AM

Wagner Bull Sensei...my sensei. I am his fan number 1.
Kato Sensei...explosive, amazing!!
Yamada Sensei.. beautiful, large forms..
Osawa Sensei...precise, amazing kamae, how to use hamni..
Sakanashi Sensei...ugh!!..the mat could be softer....lol

Mike Fugate

03-24-2006, 12:56 PM

1.O'Sensei :ai: :ki: :do:
2.Saito Sensei ( Mind blowing Dojo) :ki:
3.Take Sensei :ki:

Jory Boling

05-14-2006, 05:08 PM

To date, the best Aikido I've ever seen is by Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan of AKI. The way he floats around with his uke is amazing. As they go flying he somehow keeps his hara connected. My first sensei used to say that when we watch someone demonstrate a technique that we only pick up what is appropriate to our own level. From my level to Takeda Shihan's level, the only thing I could pick up was "WOW!"

villrg0a

05-15-2006, 03:33 AM

In flesh?
Ando sensei
Azarcon senseis

Renzo Roncal Soto

05-28-2007, 04:01 PM

Absolutely and without no doubt: CHRISTIAN TISSIER !!

and secondly, the nice guy that I see all the mornings reflected in the mirror :D

Chicko Xerri

05-28-2007, 07:04 PM

The best Aikido I have ever seen has come not from persons who practice Aikido techniques but from individuals who have expressed the essence of Aikido through their Hearts intent. I see them all over.

jennifer paige smith

05-28-2007, 09:04 PM

[QUOTE=Darin Hyde;100327]What is the best aikido you have seen?

My students, my friends and myself when we are practicing integrous Aikido. It is one of the best things I've ever seen in life, aikido or otherwise.:)

Eric Winters

05-28-2007, 10:05 PM

M. Saito, H. Saito, Pat Hendricks (Aikido of San Leandro), and Hoa Newens (Aikido Institute Davis)

I am obviously an Iwama stylist.

Other Aikido stylists include: The current Doshu, C. Tissier,

Tony Wagstaffe

05-29-2007, 07:53 AM

Nariyama of Shodokan.... real and explosive... to the point and no bullshit!!
Tony

grondahl

05-29-2007, 08:05 AM

I haven´t been around enough, but in person (as individual "artists"): Seichiro Endo, Takeji Tomita.

charyuop

05-29-2007, 08:09 AM

I have to rely basically on videos and thus there might be many great Aikidoka that I haven't seen so far.

Not considering O Sensei, he should be out of contest for being the best, I would say without any doubts Shioda Gozo.
I have seen videos of many of the uchideshi of O Sensei and doubt anoyone can even get close to their level. I guess studying directly under the creator of Aikido gave them advantages that other Sensei will never be able to have.

Maybe as ASU student I should have said Saotome Sensei, but the truth is that when I watch Shioda Gozo Sensei I actually remain speechless.

Dieter Haffner

05-29-2007, 03:16 PM

That would be Shimamoto K. for me.

Aikibu

05-29-2007, 05:29 PM

Easy...

My Teacher Mike Fowler...Shoji Nishio Shihan and Tanaka Sensei...Kenji Yoshida... Pat Hendricks...Bob Nadeau...and on and on...

William Hazen

statisticool

05-29-2007, 05:34 PM

Seagal Sensei (in real life, not movies)

aikidoc

05-29-2007, 05:55 PM

Hiroshi Kato sensei

Roman Kremianski

05-29-2007, 09:04 PM

After a couple of years he still has trouble with many of the basics.

Damn. Sounds like me. :(

xuzen

05-29-2007, 11:03 PM

Teacher's who have impressed me are:

1) Shioda Kancho (Yoshinkan)

2) Dr Lee Ah Loy (Shodokan)

3) T. Nariyama (Shodokan)

4) Robert Mustard (Yoshinkan)

5) K. Mifune (Kodokan)

6) My Sensei who's atemi maketh me a true believer.

Boon.

salim

05-30-2007, 06:41 AM

I don't know the person's name in the below video, but this is the best I've seen. No nonsense, to the point. I'm more of an advocate for the school of thought from the Aikibudo methodology.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gKSx3ZeZ5Bg

antonis paps

06-01-2007, 09:41 AM

I 've read nearly all "famous" senseis
but only one mentioned Takeji Tomita sensei
hasn't anyone seen him?:cool:

senshincenter

06-01-2007, 07:24 PM

lls

03-29-2010, 01:36 PM

Best aikido I have felt.

Nomura Kazuo, formerly chief instructor of the Osaka Aikikai is a very impressive master.

He is not yet well known outside the Kansai area, but he started visiting and teaching western dojos regularly since 2005. His aikido will eventually become more popular in the years to come.

He will visit Europe again in June 2010.

aikishihan

03-29-2010, 02:04 PM

The latest person I had the privilege to train with.

sakumeikan

03-29-2010, 02:36 PM

What is the best aikido you have seen?

The best I have seen is from Gozo Shioda and Joe Thambu. My teacher always says Kenji Tomiki. How about Seagal in Nico?

Hi,
To select the best Aikidoka is a very subjective thing.A bit like compare a rose and a daffodil.Each has its own beauty.I have seen and practiced with many great Aikidoka.In no particular order I consider these Aikidoka as truly inspirational excluding O Sensei [I never met him] .I have met /know these masters.
Here is my Japanese list: Saito, Tamura, Chiba, Sekiya, Kitaura, Yamada, Kanai, Shibata, Akira Tohei, Shirata, Yokota, Yamaguchi , Yasuno ,Kenshiro Abbe Senseis.
Obviously the Second /Third Doshu are included in this group.
European /others:
Juba Nour, Nobu Iseri, George Girvan, Mick Holloway,
Norberto Chiesa, Pablo Vasquez, Lorraine Diane, Kristina Varjan,Mike Flynn Senseis.
There are many more I could include but for brevity I have just named aikidoka I felt a connection with.
Each of the above have/had wonderful quality aikido skills.
Ps Unfortunately I am not a fan of Seagal Sensei.

crbateman

03-29-2010, 04:43 PM

The latest person I had the privilege to train with.Sensei, you've got to get back on those memory herbs... ;) :D

Shadowfax

03-29-2010, 05:12 PM

I have not been around aikido too long but Ive seen some amazing aikido.

I have had the privilege to learn from, Mary Heiney Sensei, Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei, and most recently Charlie Page sensei, all amazing aikidoka. Each brings their own flavor and each has blown me away with not only what they have to teach us but their spirit and joy in the teaching.

I'm not really qualified to say which is best. To me each is wonderful and none is better than the other. But I have to tell you that my most favorite are Garth Jones sensei, Tara Meyers sensei and Matt Fisher Sensei. My own teachers. Who are there for, and inspire, me each and every class. :)

But then I have much to learn and a very long road ahead before I could begin to consider myself knowledgeable on the subject.

aikishihan

03-29-2010, 05:17 PM

HI Clark, my marvelous brother In Aiki,

Yeah, I forgot. Thanks for the reminder.

Now where are the car keys?

Anjisan

03-29-2010, 05:49 PM

I would have to say Saotome sensei, Ikeda sensei, Seagal sensei, and Saito sensei respectively. All fluid, smooth, fluid, effective, and dynamic.

phitruong

03-29-2010, 07:48 PM

first (i believed it was the first) aikiweb friendship seminar in NC with the three sensei: Chuck Clark, Ellis Amdur, and Dennis Hooker. they were like three great musicians playing improv with each others. jazz musicians of aikido. great concert. got front row seat and moved with the tune. :cool:

guillermo santos

03-29-2010, 07:53 PM

Takeda Shinobu Shihan of Aikido Kenkyukai International ( AKI )

donplummer

03-29-2010, 08:16 PM

Not sure what year exactly but I was honored to see at a single seminar, Shihan Y.Yamada, S.Sugano and Harvey Konigsberg at the Woodstock dojo. It was a truly magical experience considering the level of Instructors, the surroundings and the 200 or so other Aikidoka who shared that experience with me. A Perfect Storm of Aikido if you will. For a physically very large individual, I felt very small that weekend, in the best way possible.:D
:ai: :ki: :do: