Morihei Ueshiba - Divine Techniques

Overview

• Video Title: Morihei Ueshiba - Divine Techniques
• Published by: The Ran Network
• Views: 6,685 (as of March 16, 2023)
• Content: A collection of seven short films showcasing Morihei Ueshiba's art in his final years (1962-1969).

Key Points

Introduction

• Aikido is more than physical strength or technique.
• Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, it is seen as a discipline for self-purification.
• Aims to convert the sword into a life-giving instrument.
• Viewed as an expression of divine will and a path to merge human spirit with the universe.

Film Segments

1. 1962 - Iwama Dojo and Aiki Shrine

• Filmed in Iwama Dojo and Aiki Shrine.
• Features Morihei Ueshiba’s misogi kata with a "nuboku," a sharpened Jo.
• Includes footage of Ueshiba and American uchideshi Terry Dobson.

2. 1964 - Aikikai Hombu Dojo

• Low-quality footage from Aikikai Hombu Dojo.
• Ueshiba’s uke appears to be Seichi Sugano.

3. 1964 - All-Japan Aikido Demonstration

• Held at Hibiya Kokkaido Hall.
• Features uke like Morihiro Saito, Mitsugi Saotome, Terry Dobson, Kazuo Chiba.
• Ueshiba performs his misogi kata with a nuboku.

4. 1966 - All-Japan University Aikido Demonstration

• Footage from the 4th Kanto Student Aikido Demonstration.
• Uke includes Shizuo Imaizumi and Kenji Shimizu.
• Ueshiba performs misogi kata with a fan.

5. 1967 - Kumano Hongu Shrine Demonstration

• Held at Kumano Hongu Shrine.
• Ueshiba performs misogi bo kata.
• Strong connection with Kumano, where his first dojo was established in Shingu.

6. 1967 - Self-Defense Force Demonstration

• Color film from Self-Defense Force Aikido Demonstration.
• Features Ueshiba in great form with assistants Seishiro Endo and Minoru Kurita.

7. 1969 - Aikikai Hombu Dojo

• Recorded during the Kagami Biraki New Year ceremony.
• Ueshiba's last public appearance before his illness and subsequent death.
• Features Mitsugi Saotome, Minoru Kurita, Mamoru Suganuma, Ikuo Iimura, Seishiro Endo.

Conclusion

• The videos serve as a historical record of Ueshiba’s teachings and demonstrations.
• Emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Aikido as envisioned by Morihei Ueshiba.
• Encourages understanding Aikido beyond mere self-defense, as a path to harmony with the universe.