AikiWeb: The Source for Aikido Information AikiWeb's principal purpose is to serve the Internet community as a repository and dissemination point for aikido information.
Hello and thank you for visiting AikiWeb, the
world's most active online Aikido community! This site is home to
over 22,000 aikido practitioners from around the world and covers a
wide range of aikido topics including techniques, philosophy, history,
humor, beginner issues, the marketplace, and more.
If you wish to join in the discussions or use the other advanced
features available, you will need to register first. Registration is
absolutely free and takes only a few minutes to complete so sign up today!
Born in 1928, Tanaka trained in kendo as a child then studied aikido with Morihei and Kisshomaru Ueshiba as well as Kashima Shinryu under Zenya Kunii. He was also one of the early postwar students of Gozo Shioda at the Yoshinkan aikido dojo in the 1950's. He formed the Tokyo University aikido club in 1954 and also served as shihan at Chuo University, Senshu University, University of Toyama, and others. He received his 8th dan in 1973 and 9th dan in 1993 and now serves as the honorary director at the Shiseikan at the Meiji Jingu shrine.
This video clip is reportedly from a TV documentary.
I saw this film nearly 30 years ago - I don't know how he got hold of it, but Kanetsuka Sensei brought it over to show my father and me, as he liked Tanaka Sensei's aikido very much. I think he knew Tanaka at the Yoshinkan in the early 1950s.
I enjoyed it too - very dynamic and direct, but good contact. Lots of echoes of Gozo Shioda, too.
Alex
Last edited by Alex Megann : 10-25-2013 at 03:13 PM.
Very impressive. Wonderful strong posture and zanshin, with dynamic flow and fine timing.
Very strong and dynamic aikido. Very martial and at the same time fluid continuous form.
Thanks for sharing this clip, Jun.
In Aiki,
Ethan Weisgard
I saw this film nearly 30 years ago - I don't know how he got hold of it, but Kanetsuka Sensei brought it over to show my father and me, as he liked Tanaka Sensei's aikido very much. I think he knew Tanaka at the Yoshinkan in the early 1950s.
Whoops - I shouldn't post too late at night. I meant "late 1950s", of course...
Tanaka sensei still has regular classes at the Shiseikan during the week - inspiring to see his energy and commitment. Met him briefly in mid-October and he is in good form.
Dojo: Sakumeikan N.E. Aikkai .Newcastle upon Tyne.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,266
Offline
Re: YouTube: Shigeho Tanaka (9th dan)
Dear All,
`must confess I am not a big fan of Yoshinkan Aikido.Seems to me the Yoshinkan guys are robotic and look like brick outhouses. Tanaka Sensei is a bit more fluid , economical in his movements, good lines.Ok by me. Cheers, Joe.
Must confess I am not a big fan of Yoshinkan Aikido.
It's not my preferred style of training either, although I appreciate that its fairly formal structure suits various people, and it can produce some excellent results! Anyway, that's probably a subject for an alternative thread.
One can see the Yoshinkan influences in Tanaka sensei but he's been his own man for a very long time. Very well connected on a personal level within the Aikikai. He has also been designated Mokuhai (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government for Budo - I'd be interested to know who else in the Aikido world has been so honoured.
Dojo: Sakumeikan N.E. Aikkai .Newcastle upon Tyne.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,266
Offline
Re: YouTube: Shigeho Tanaka (9th dan)
Quote:
Robert Cowham wrote:
It's not my preferred style of training either, although I appreciate that its fairly formal structure suits various people, and it can produce some excellent results! Anyway, that's probably a subject for an alternative thread.
One can see the Yoshinkan influences in Tanaka sensei but he's been his own man for a very long time. Very well connected on a personal level within the Aikikai. He has also been designated Mokuhai (Living National Treasure) by the Japanese government for Budo - I'd be interested to know who else in the Aikido world has been so honoured.
Dear robert,
Living Treasure? I cannot speak for the Japanese Govt. but I hope my grandkids consider me if not a living treasure at least a half dead one.lol, cheers, joe.
Living Treasure? I cannot speak for the Japanese Govt. but I hope my grandkids consider me if not a living treasure at least a half dead one.lol, cheers, joe.
All countries have their equivalent "Sir Joe"
Or, from my reading of the "Game of Thrones" books (George RR Martin), "Ser Joe"...