Aikido Takemusu Aiki Bukikai DVD 1 by Patricia Guerri

Tai-Jitsu - Aiki-Waza
Empty-Hand Self-Defense Techniques
The Essence of Morihiro Saito Sensei's Aiki

The highest level of strategy is the ability to respond appropriately to any situation. True mastery lies not in memorizing techniques, but in understanding principles that allow an unlimited number of effective responses. At the heart of every technique is Aiki—the harmonious blending of energies, where conflict is resolved through balance rather than destruction. This timeless philosophy reflects the Taoist ideal embraced by Aiki Bukikai, where victory is achieved without the need to fight.

This instructional program presents the principles of Aiki Bukikai ("the union of energies with weapons"), based on the teachings of Takemusu Aiki as transmitted by the late Morihiro Saito Sensei, one of the foremost students of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. The instruction is led by Patricia Guerri, who spent twelve years as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) under Saito Sensei, making numerous training visits to the Aikido Shrine in Iwama, Japan.

The techniques demonstrated in this film are presented in great depth and from multiple perspectives to ensure a thorough understanding of the underlying principles. Once the foundations of Aiki Bukikai have been fully absorbed, practitioners will discover that they can naturally adapt and create countless techniques, regardless of the point of contact or the nature of an attack.

Every empty-hand technique shown in this program has a direct counterpart in weapons training. These principles originate with O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, were faithfully preserved by Morihiro Saito Sensei, and continue to be passed on through this tradition. Mastering this art requires dedication, perseverance, sincerity, and faithful practice. Through committed training, the deeper technical understanding of Aiki will gradually emerge, allowing its principles to become a natural part of your movement and expression.