Aikido Principles
Explore connection, balance, and whole-body movement as foundations of Aikido. Through lessons from seminars and dojo practice, observe how these principles take shape and deepen your understanding through continued keiko.
Kokyu-ho – Breath & Whole body Coordination
Develop breathing, stable posture, and whole-body coordination through exercises that deepen connection and refine the use of the body.
Kokyu-ho Katate-dori
Explore posture, connection, and whole-body coordination through Kokyu-ho practice, with guidance from Aigo Sensei, 6ᵗʰ Dan Aikikai.
2022 Seminar at Yuko Shinzen Dojo
Full video: 8 minutes
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Musubi – Connection & Coordination
Develop and maintain connection with your partner through responsive, coordinated movement.
Musubi Exercises
Explore how Koshi, the arms, and the direction of the gaze connect Uke and Tori. Guided by Aigo Sensei, 6ᵗʰ Dan Aikikai. These Musubi exercises deepen awareness and bring body and mind into coordinated movement.
2022 Seminar at Yuko Shinzen Dojo
Full video: 7 minutes
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Katate-dori no Waza
Explore Katate-dori no Waza with Aigo Sensei, focusing on Musubi and movement from Koshi to maintain connection and guide Uke at Jodan, Chudan, and Gedan levels.
2022 Seminar at Yuko Shinzen Dojo
Full video: 11 minutes
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Koshi – Aiki from Within
Explore how movement rooted in Koshi coordinates the whole body, maintains connection, and gives direction to Aikido practice.
Center-to-Center Connection
Explore how movement from Koshi connects Tori’s center with Uke’s, absorbs the force of Uke’s attack, and controls Uke’s center.
2025 Seminar at Yuko Shinzen Dojo
Full video: 15 minutes
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Kuzushi & Aiki Flow – Breaking Balance & Guiding Movement
Explore how connection and balance breaking give rise to Aiki Flow, allowing movement to unfold continuously within and between techniques.
Finding Freedom in Aiki Flow
Explore how Koshi absorbs Uke’s power, disrupting their balance and creating space for natural transitions between techniques and freedom of movement.
2025 Seminar at Yuko Shinzen Dojo
Full video: 10 minutes
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Atari – Intention & Initial Contact
Explore the quality of initial contact, sensing your partner’s direction and response without unnecessary tension.