Aikido Insights

A journey through Aikido’s principles, philosophy, and practice — shared through reflections and teachings from the instructors and practitioners of Yuko Shinzen Dojo.

Wisdom Beyond Technique

Reflections, dialogues, and in-depth perspectives from those who walk the Aikido path — exploring the art’s philosophy, practice, and personal meaning.

Aikido Demonstrations

Yamashima Takeshi Sensei – Shihan, 8th Dan Aikikai

The 78th Nerima City Sports Festival 2025 in Tokyo

Aikido demonstration by Yamashima Takeshi Sensei, 8th Dan Aikikai, at the 78th Nerima City Sports Festival 2025 in Tokyo.

A graceful expression of Aikido — relaxed yet powerful, embodying harmony, precision, and the flow of true connection between uke and nage.

The 77th Nerima City Sports Festival 2024 in Tokyo

Aikido demonstration by Yamashima Takeshi Sensei, 8th Dan Aikikai, at the 77th Nerima City Sports Festival 2024 in Tokyo.

A moment that reflects the essence of Aiki: soft in appearance, profound in spirit, and rooted in decades of dedicated practice.

Seminar Recaps

Highlights from our annual seminars and technical demonstrations — relive each keiko through curated videos and event recaps.

2023 Visit to Da Lat, Vietnam – Aikido Session with Yamashima Takeshi Sensei

During his 2023 visit to Da Lat, Yamashima Takeshi Sensei (8th Dan Aikikai) led focused Aikido sessions exploring key Aiki principles such as connection (musubi), relaxation, Koshi, Kokyu-ho, Ikkyo, and Irimi-nage — all delivered in his signature style: relaxed yet powerful.

The visit also included a brief demonstration with his close students from Chiyoda-ku Aikikai — Aigo Ken’ichiro Sensei, Sakai Tsuyoshi Sensei, Endoh Masahiro, and senior members — showcasing refined movement, precise entering, and the natural flow between uke and nage.

Set against Da Lat’s calm highland atmosphere, the trip blended training, friendship, and quiet inspiration, leaving lasting impressions on everyone who joined.

2025 Aikido Summer Seminar with AIGO Ken'ichiro Sensei

Over three immersive days at Yuko Shinzen Dojo, Aigo Ken’ichiro Sensei led the 2025 Aikido Summer Seminar with a powerful blend of technical precision and deep internal work. From foundational kokyu and aiki principles to advanced variations and flowing transitions, each keiko offered valuable insights into connection, centered movement, and the evolving spirit of Aikido.

Watch selected moments from the seminar in the video playlist below.

2024 Aiki Jo & Kenjutsu Session with Sakai Tsuyoshi Sensei

As part of the 2024 Aikido Summer Seminar led by Aigo Ken’ichiro Sensei, we were also honored to welcome Sakai Tsuyoshi Sensei (Aikikai 5th Dan) from Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Tokyo — who conducted a special session on Aiki Jo and Kenjutsu.

Through the study of the 13 Jo Kata, detailed movement explanations, and practical applications, Sakai Sensei revealed how weapon training embodies the same principles that shape Aikido — connection, balance, and harmony in motion.

Watch the Aiki Jo & Kenjutsu session highlights below.

2024 Aikido Summer Seminar with Aigo Ken'ichiro Sensei

In July 2024, Yuko Shinzen Dojo | iKi Center was honored to host the Aikido Summer Seminar 2024 with Aigo Ken’ichiro Sensei (6th Dan Aikikai) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Across three days of keiko, aikidoka gathered to explore the essence of Aikido through kokyu-ho, ikkyo, nikyo, shiho-nage, irimi-nage, kaiten-nage, koshi-nage, and advanced practices with jo-dori and musubi exercises.

✨ The seminar was not only about techniques but also about friendship, connection, and the joyful spirit of training together. From foundational kokyu-ho to dynamic koshi-nage, and from precise jo-dori to flowing musubi, every session reflected the living energy of Aikido.

Watch the full seminar recap on YouTube:

2023 Aikido Summer Seminar with AIGO Ken'ichiro Sensei

This playlist captures selected keiko moments from the 2023 Aikido Summer Seminar held at Yuko Shinzen Dojo, guided by Aigo Ken’ichiro Sensei. The seminar focused on deepening internal stability through Kokyuho, developing fluidity in Kokyunage, and exploring the nuance of entering (irimi), blending, and control from various grips.

Discover techniques such as Kokyuho, Kokyunage, Uchi Kaiten-nage, Sumiotoshi, and more — practiced from both katatedori and morotedori in a precise, principle-based approach.

Kokyuho | Katatedori