The Nishio Sensei Aikido Notebook Vol 1 Taijutsu by Stephi Varjan

This book is a compilation of the written notes and drawings made by Varjan Sensei in her many years of study under Nishio Sensei. Included are notes from regular classes and seminar instruction. This volume covers taijutsu techniques. See Volume 2 for similar notes relating to the buki-waza techniques of Nishio Sensei.

Chapters:

1 Some of the Basics 
2 Ikkyo
3 Shomen Uchi & Yokomen Uchi
4 Tsuki
5 Applications
6 Aikido To-Ho
7 The Lessons & Seminars (1988-2001)
8 The Jo
9 Weapons

About the Instructor:

Stephi Varjan is a dedicated Aikido practitioner with decades of training experience. As a 6th-degree black belt, she teaches at multiple dojos across the country, specializing in Nishio Style Aikido techniques with an emphasis on proper body mechanics and effective energy redirection.

After beginning her martial arts journey under Sensei Thomas Hartford, Varjan continued her studies with several notable instructors including time training in Japan at the Hombu Dojo, notably Shoji Nishio Sensei. Her teaching philosophy centers on making Aikido principles accessible to students of all physical abilities while maintaining the art's core martial effectiveness.

Known for her patient teaching style and precise technical demonstrations, Varjan regularly conducts seminars focusing on weapons work (tanto, jo, and bokken) and their relationship to empty-hand techniques. Her students appreciate her ability to break down complex movements into manageable components.

Varjan holds additional certifications in conflict de-escalation and self-defense instruction, bringing these complementary skills into her comprehensive Aikido curriculum.

Language: English

Length: 407 pages