Best "Martial Aiki" video demonstration

Can anybody out there recommend a good video that presents the "martial" aspect of aikido?

I've seen many good instructional videos, but this is not what I am looking for. I'm interested in some good footage of nage dealing with (controlling) uke decisively. I'm not anxious to see broken bones, but I would like to see a good exposition of the more militant side of aikido. Perhaps what I am looking for falls under the heading of Aiki Jujutsu ...

I've found that many of this type of footage is vintage, in fact I've seen some brief vintage clips of Kanai Sensei that were just dazzling. From what I've described, is O Sensei's early video "Aiki Budo" good?

Any other video recommendations (Aikio, Daito ryu, Yanagi ryu, etc.) are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

IMHO, I really like the demonstration tapes from this years Aiki Expo put on by Stanley Pranin at Aikido Journal. Two tapes with twenty demonsrtations. Some good, some bad, but a great variety. Daito-ryu, Aiki Jujitsu, and a military scenario were included. Worth the look see.

OBTW, the Aiki Expo will happen again next year, September, in Las Vegas. Worth it.

Until again,

Lynn

Matt:

If you find yourself questioning the martial ability of aikido (thinking maybe what you want is actually aikijujitsu), I encourage you (and everyone!) to buy Gozo Shioda's book Aikido Shugyo, which was just published in English for the first time. It shows you how to approach your aikido training keeping in mind the martial reality of the training. Lots of great combat stories too!

--Joe

Joe Sweeney (Shinken) wrote: Matt: If you find yourself questioning the martial ability of aikido (thinking maybe what you want is actually aikijujitsu), I encourage you (and everyone!) to buy Gozo Shioda's book Aikido Shugyo, which was just published in English for the first time. It shows you how to approach your aikido training keeping in mind the martial reality of the training. Lots of great combat stories too! --Joe

I second that. Great book! Shioda Talks the Talk and Walks the Walk.

Sean

Third that. An invaluable resource.

Paul

Are you referring to the book "Total Aikido"?

I've also seen video tape of Shioda Sensei doing a multiple person attack randori and it was beautifully efficient. Very martial.

There are two tapes out by Toshishiro Obata which are also good.

But in my humble opinion, if you look at some of the vintage tapes of the late Osawa sensei, and you know what you're looking at, you'll also see some very effective technique.

see what you can find of Chiba Sensei too! Talk about an amazing aikidoka!

Joe Sweeney (Shinken) wrote: I encourage you (and everyone!) to buy Gozo Shioda's book Aikido Shugyo, which was just published in English for the first time.

I just started reading the original Japanese version of this book last night. Quite interesting.

-- Jun

Joe Sweeney (Shinken) wrote: Matt: If you find yourself questioning the martial ability of aikido (thinking maybe what you want is actually aikijujitsu), I encourage you (and everyone!) to buy Gozo Shioda's book Aikido Shugyo ... --Joe

It's not that I'm questioning the effectiveness of Aikido; that's another issue. Thank you, Shinken, for the recommendation though. My primary interest in a new Aikido video is for entertainment. Some people enjoy watching the silly desplays of pro "wrestling"; I find footage of powerfully executed Aikido/Aiki Jujutsu more compelling. Is my interest aroused by the male proclivity to observe violence? Possibly, but when I watch (or participate in) well executed Aikido the feeling of conflict (and eventual resolution) is strong. Technique with strong intent and engagement is intersting to watch. The lack of which is why I find WWF/WWE and sometimes boxing boring.

At this point in my training, I find my self constantly in awe of my seniors and also frustrated. Some people's Aikido is so subtle, it's hard to tell what's going on in their technique. Unless I can enter an uchi-deshi program, I have limited opportunity to train with many advanced Aikidoka. Therefore, I must rely on watching others. I respect the beautiful techniques of my sempai, but there is also an attraction to the direct and efficient application of Aiki. The movements in this martial/military Aiki (I mistakenly used the term "militant" in my first post ... different connotation) seem to be more discrete and the forces involved are easier to identify.

I'm hoping to spend my limited funds on an entertaining video. However, I'll be more than entertained; I'll be enlightened by appreciating a dynamic art. If I learn something too ... that will be a bonus. As for Chiba Sensei, after my first (and last) practice session with him, I'll stick to watching him on tape.

reflections on Ueshiba's "Aiki Budo" video anyone?

thanks

Matt

Jun Akiyama (akiy) wrote: I just started reading the original Japanese version of this book last night. Quite interesting. -- Jun

I also have the Japanese version. Its a good read.

Can someone give me an idea of what this book is like and what Shioda Sensei's aikido was like?

Gozo Shioda's book Aikido Shugyo

Here's a link to the English version of "Aikido Shugyo" which includes information on the book itself:

http://www.shindokanbooks.com/shugyo.shtml

As far as Shioda sensei's aikido, his lineage is continued in Yoshinkan aikido. There are also numerous tapes of him around, too. Good stuff.

-- Jun