Spirit & Techniques of Morihei Ueshiba DVD 2 by Morito Suganuma

The "Ueshiba Founder's Mind and Technique" series, specifically the third installment featuring Aikido Shohei Juku master Suganuma Morito, offers an in-depth exploration of Aikido as left behind by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder. Here’s a detailed look into the main contents of the second volume:

Main Contents:

1. Rowing and Furirei

   • Likely refers to fundamental movement exercises or preparatory exercises in Aikido.

2. Ichikyo Exercise (Solo Movement, Using a Wooden Sword)

   • Solo practice focusing on basic movements with a wooden sword (bokken), essential for developing Aikido techniques.

3. Tenkanho (Standing, Kneeling)

   • Techniques involving turning movements both while standing and kneeling, integral to Aikido's circular and adaptive principles.

4. Entering Blind Spots

   • Strategies and techniques for entering an opponent’s vulnerable areas or blind spots effectively.

5. Using Strikes

   • Incorporation of striking techniques (atemi) within Aikido movements to enhance effectiveness and control.

6. Techniques Demonstrated:

   • Short-handed breathing throws (multiple types)
   • Katedori Shiho throw (front and back)
   • Katedori Kaiten throw (inside and outside)
   • Shoredori Ichikyo

7. Atemi Techniques Demonstrated:

   • Short-handed Men-uchi Ichikyo
   • Katedori Koshi-nage
   • Shomen-uchi Sankyo

8. Uke Movements:

   • Shomen-uchi Ichikyo
   • Katedori Shiho-nage
   • Katedori Nikyo

9. Palm Turns:

   • Tenchi throw
   • Gyakuhanmi Katedori Kotegaeshi (four types)
   • Ushiro Ryozu-dori Breathing Throw

10. Weapon Techniques:

    • Techniques involving dagger-taking, wooden sword-taking, and staff techniques.

11. Special Interview:

    • Insights and reflections from Suganuma Morito, possibly including anecdotes or teachings from Morihei Ueshiba himself.
    • Topics such as personal experiences, training philosophies, and the legacy of Morihei Ueshiba in Aikido.

About the instructor:

Morito Suganuma, born July 27, 1942, in Fukushima, Japan, is a renowned Japanese aikido teacher holding the rank of 8th dan in the Aikikai. He began practicing aikido in 1963 at Asia University in Tokyo under Nobuyoshi Tamura, who introduced him to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1964. There, he trained under Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, and other prominent instructors. In 1967, after graduating from university, he became an uchideshi (live-in student) at Hombu Dojo. In 1970, following Morihei Ueshiba’s death, Suganuma was sent to Fukuoka as the Aikikai’s representative for the Kyushu region. He founded the Aikido Shoheijuku Dojo, which now oversees about 70 dojos and 4,000 students. Based primarily in Fukuoka, he teaches globally, incorporating Zen meditation, yoga, and shodo (Japanese calligraphy) into his practice.