Eminent Figures in the Budo World of the Showa Era

Masakatsu Nakayama: Achieving the pinnacle of his path through relentless dedication and diligence, displaying his mastery even beyond the age of 80.

Morihei Ueshiba: Uttering the words "I am at my peak right now" at the very brink of death, after a lifetime of dedicated training that transcended self and others, embodying the essence of a true master. His figure represents not just skill and strength, but the eternal beauty and spirit.

Contents:

Introduction to Masakatsu Nakayama

History of Iaido
Iaido Demonstration by Masakatsu Nakayama, Showa 5 (1930)
Iaido Demonstration by Masakatsu Nakayama, Showa 30 (1955)
Iaido Demonstration by Masakatsu Nakayama, Showa 15 (1940) - Commemorative Tournament for the 2600th Anniversary

Demonstrations by Morihei Ueshiba

Morihei Ueshiba's Aikido Demonstration
Morihei Ueshiba's demonstration of the unity of god and oneself

Participants:

Morihei Ueshiba Born in Meiji 16 (1883). At the age of 18, he entered the world of martial arts through the school of Kito-ryu jujutsu. By the age of 25, he attained the Menkyo Kaiden (full transmission) in Yagyu Ryu jujutsu. Furthering his dedication to kenjutsu and sojutsu, through rigorous training that left his blood flowing, he founded the new martial art of Aikido. His techniques were regarded as divine skills, opening up the state of "I am the universe". Just before his death, he left the famous quote "I am at my peak right now". He passed away at the age of 86 in Showa 44 (1969).

Masakatsu Nakayama Born in Meiji 6 (1873) in Kanazawa City. At the age of 19, he moved to Tokyo and studied under the master of Shindo Munen Ryu, Shingoro Negishi. Despite his small stature of less than 160 cm, he overcame his physical limitations through intensive training day and night, becoming an unprecedented master of three disciplines: kendo, iaido, and jojutsu. He was the leading figure in the Budo world during the Taisho and Showa eras, known literally for his unrestrained activities and gaining the titles "God of Kendo" and "Master of the Realm". He passed away at the age of 87 in Showa 33 (1958).

Language: Japanese

Length: 32 min.

spd-8605

Morihei Ueshiba & Hakudo Nakayama DVD