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Passionate about Aikido, we stand on the mats almost daily. We practice a lot and get the chance to travel a lot too. Whenever possible, we grab the opportunity to combine both and visit various Dojos in Japan. It is always great to practice with many different people, share our knowledge and get inspired by great teachers and masters. Read here our reports on the Dojos and schools we could visit.

An Interview with Saito Hitohira Sensei

An Interview with Saito Hitohira Sensei

A Close encounter with Iwama’s Aikido

We’ve been going around interviewing experienced martial art teachers for a while now. Mr. Saitō Hitohira, who actually knew Morihei Ueshiba when he was a kid and devoted to Aikido from an early age, is still living in Iwama, right next to the Aiki Jinja. When we had the opportunity to get an interview with him, we did not hesitate, and here is how it all happened.

Interview with Saito Hitohira Sensei

Interview with Saito Hitohira Sensei

Jordy Delage July 12, 2018 3 comments Aikido, Budo Studies, Reports & Travels, Seido, Videos Tags: aikido, interview, iwama, saito hitohira

Meiji Shrine Yabusame Demonstration

Meiji Shrine Yabusame Demonstration

Japanese traditional horseback archery

Every year, in memory of Emperor Meiji, one of the biggest martial arts demonstrations in Japan takes place, at the so called “Meiji Shrine Yabusame Taikai“. Honoring both, the Emperor Meiji and the gods enshrined at the Meiji Shrine, the event is held in the form of an ancient ceremony that dates back hundreds of years ago.

Yabusame at the Meiji Jingu Shrine

Yabusame at the Meiji Jingu Shrine

Jordy Delage December 21, 2017 Post Comment Events & Demonstrations, Reports & Travels Tags: kobudo, meiji jingu, mounted archery, yabusame

Meiji Kobudo Taikai 2017

Meiji Shrine Kobudo Embu Taikai

Celebrating Emperor Meiji’s Birthday

Every year, in memory of Emperor Meiji, one of the biggest martial arts demonstrations in Japan takes place, the so called “Meiji Shrine Kobudo Embu Taikai”. It is greatly supported by the Shiseikan, a training hall for Japanese Budo including Kyudo (archery), Judo, Kendo, Aikido and Kenjutsu (sword’s practice).

Hojutsu, Japanese traditional Gunnery

Hojutsu, Japanese traditional Gunnery

Rahel Bünzli November 15, 2017 2 comments Events & Demonstrations, Non classé, Reports & Travels Tags: demonstration, kobudo, meiji jingu

Aizome – Japanese Indigo – From the leaf to the Hakama

Aizome – Japanese Indigo on Martial Arts Equipment

Visit to the Nogawa workshop – From the leaf to the Hakama

Aizome dyeing, indigo blue, also known as “Japanese blue”, is a traditional dyeing since the dawn of time. It has long been used in many fields: for working clothes, decorative fabrics to samurai garments and armors. Nogawa Masatoshi, 3rd generation, welcomes us in his studio and introduces to us the traditional indigo as the Nogawa workshop has been making it since 1914.

Indigo Fabric Manufacture for Kendogi at the Nogawa workshop

Indigo Fabric Manufacture for Kendogi at the Nogawa workshop

Rahel Bünzli February 24, 2017 Post Comment Craftsmanship, Equipment, Reports & Travels Tags: Aizome, craftsmanship, hakama