Morihei Ueshiba - Divine Techniques

“Divine Techniques” is a collection of seven short films presenting Morihei Ueshiba’s art in the final years of his life. This video covers the period from 1962 to 1969, the year of his passing, and includes O’Sensei’s last public demonstration. For quality Budo books visit: Video Contents: Introduction (00’00-1’24) 1962 – Iwama Dojo and Aiki Shrine (1’25-18’45) 1964 – Aikikai Hombu Dojo class (18’47-20’33) 1964 – All-Japan Aikido Demonstration (20’34-22’06) 1966 – All-Japan University Aikido Demonstration (22’07-27’35) 1967 – Kumano Hongu Shrine Demonstration (27’36-31’14) 1967 – Self-Defense Force Demonstration (31’15-32’44) 1969 – Aikikai Hombu Dojo (32’45-33’43) Introduction: Aikido is not a matter of merely acquiring physical strength or technique. Its founder Morihei Ueshiba conceived of his art as a discipline for purification of the self and as a means for converting the sword into a life-giving instrument. For Ueshiba O’Sensei, the techniques of Aiki represent an expression of divine will. This is the key to understanding Aikido’s deeper purpose beyond self-defence. In its larger sense, it is a path leading to the merging of man’s spirit with the workings of the universe. The secret of Aikido lies in uniting ourselves with the universe by purifying ourselves and harmonizing with the movement of the universe. For those who master the secrets of Aikido, the universe lies within. Thus may I say: I who am the Universe. Part 1: 1962 – Iwama Dojo and Aiki Shrine This segment was shot both in the Iwama Dojo and inside the Aiki Shrine. It was realised in 1962 and includes Morihei Ueshiba’s solo misogi kata with a nuboku, a sharpened jo which is supposed to represent the “heavenly-jewelled spear” from the Kojiki story of the creation. The nuboku was often employed by O’Sensei in his final years. There is also extensive footage of both his empty-handed and weapons practice where Ueshiba is assisted by American uchideshi Terry Dobson. Dobson is also filmed while receiving theoretical tuition from the Morihei Ueshiba. Terry Dobson (1937-1992) was one of the few Westerners that had the opportunity to study Aikido as a direct student of the founder Morihei Ueshiba. Alongside André Nocquet, at the time Terry Dobson was the only non-Japanese to have been accepted as an uchideshi. Part 2: 1964 – Aikikai Hombu Dojo class Low-quality footage realised in 1964 in the old Aikikai Hombu Dojo building. Having been taken in backlighting, it is of little interest. Morihei Ueshiba’s uke seems to be Seichi Sugano. Part 3: 1964 – All-Japan Aikido Demonstration The 1964 edition of the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration was held at Hibiya Kokkaido Hall. Morihei Ueshiba’s uke in the presented footage are Morihiro Saito, Mitsugi Saotome, Terry Dobson and Kazuo Chiba. O’Sensei performs his misogi kata with a nuboku, the sharpened staff from the Kojiki. Part 4: 1966 – All-Japan University Aikido Demonstration This footage relates to the 4th Kanto Student Aikido Demonstration, which was held in 1966. Among those taking ukemi for O’Sensei, it is possible to recognize Shizuo Imaizumi and Kenji Shimizu. At one stage, the founder is standing on one leg only while withstanding his assistant’s push. Ueshiba shows a misogi kata using a fan. Part 5: 1967 – Kumano Hongu Shrine Demonstration This clip was taken at a demonstration given in 1967 by Morihei Ueshiba at the Kumano Hongu Shrine. It shows O’Sensei performing a ritual misogi bo kata and movements against ken attacks demonstrated with Michio Hikutsuchi as uke. Morihei Ueshiba is reported to have said “I am the godsent child of Kumano” and also “Aikido is the manifestation of the Divine Breath of the deities of Kumano“. His connections with the area were very strong: his very first dojo was established in Shingu in 1928. Throughout his life, O’Sensei often visited Shingu, where his main student was Michio Hikitsuchi, the head of the Kumano Juku Dojo. Morihei Ueshiba never failed to pray at Hongu Grand Shrine. In 1969, Michio Hikitsuchi unofficially received the rank of 10th dan by Morihei Ueshiba just before his death. Part 6: 1967 – Self-Defense Force Demonstration This colour film shot at the Self-Defense Force Aikido Demonstration in 1967, shows the 83 years old Morihei Ueshiba in great form. Among O’Sensei’s assistants can be recognised Seishiro Endo and Minoru Kurita. Part 7: 1969 – Aikikai Hombu Dojo Recorded on the occasion of the Kagami Biraki New Year ceremony at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo on January 15, 1969, this demonstration was Morihei Ueshiba’s last public appearance. The founder soon after fell gravely ill and was then incapacitated until his death on April 26. This colour footage shows O’Sensei, at the time 85 years old, demonstrating with the support of Mitsugi Saotome, Minoru Kurita, Mamoru Suganuma, Ikuo Iimura and Seishiro Endo as uke.