Harmonious Circle of Aikido DVD by Shinjuro Narita

The Mother Martial Art Left by Hirai Minoru

Explore the essence of Aikido, the "mother martial art," founded by Hirai Minoru, through the comprehensive guidance of Narita Shinjuro, a dedicated disciple and instructor at Aikido Ichigen Juku. This instructional video delves into the profound principles and techniques that transcend physical confrontation, emphasizing harmony and fluidity in movement.

Contents:

• What is Hirai Minoru's Aikido?

  • Introduction to the foundational principles and philosophy.

• Center Induction and Hip Movements

  • Understanding the importance and application of hip movements in Aikido techniques.

• Stance

  • Proper posture and stance for effective execution of techniques.

• Body Movements

  • Detailed exploration of various movements including 180-degree turn, 360-degree turn, Mae-mi (forearm slash), Irimi turn (entering movement), Iso-gaeshi (entering throw), Shiho-satsu (four-directional killing), Mensuri (deflection), Ushiro-satsu (rear killing).

• Ways to Respond with Hip Movements

  • Techniques and strategies utilizing hip rotations:
    • The distance to turn
    • Turning your hips on the spot
    • Initiating movement before physical contact
    • Understanding the truth of irimi (entering)

• Lessons to be Learned

  • Important warnings and principles to enhance practice:
    • Do not rely solely on points of contact
    • Avoid excessive reliance on footwork
    • Correct approach to stepping and striking
    • Strategic use of foot positioning
    • Emphasizing observation and adaptation rather than mechanical imitation

• Additional Insights

  • Further nuances and applications of hip movements in Aikido practice.

About Hirai Minoru: Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1903, Hirai Minoru trained extensively in Togun-ryu swordsmanship and other martial arts. He founded Koga-do in 1938 and later became a prominent figure in Aikido, establishing Dai Nippon Korin-do and merging several dojos to form Korin-kai. His teachings emphasize the infinite harmony and principles derived from the laws of heaven, earth, and nature.

Instruction and Supervision:
Shinjuro Narita, born in Osaka in 1929, began his Aikido journey under Hirai Minoru in 1959. Dedicated to preserving and passing on Minoru's teachings, Narita established Aikido Ichigen Juku in 2000, where he continues to train and instruct in the profound art of Aikido.