NihontōNihontō
The Japanese Sword
A concise overview of the Japanese sword, covering its mythological origins, historical development, role in samurai culture, main blade types, mountings, and fittings.
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NihontōNihontōNihontō
The Japanese Sword
A concise overview of the Japanese sword, covering its mythological origins, historical development, role in samurai culture, main blade types, mountings, and fittings.
AikidoAikido
Origins and History of Aikido
A historical reconstruction of Aikido as a combat martial art, from its roots in Japanese bujutsu and Daito-Ryu to its modern transformation and spiritual reinterpretation.
CultureCulture
Conditions and Elements Governing the Practice and Study of a Kata/Technique
An overview of the visible, invisible, and spiritual principles that guide the correct study and practice of kata in traditional martial arts.
CultureCulture
Ranks
A historical and practical reflection on the meaning of ranks in Aikido, from the Menkyo system to the Kyu–Dan system, and on the proper attitude toward examinations.
NihontōNihontō
Iai
An introduction to iai as the art of drawing the sword, covering individual practice, paired practice, tameshigiri, the study of the Japanese sword, and the introspective value of the discipline.
CultureCulture
Kata, Ki, Kime, Kiai
A concise overview of Kata, Ki, Kime, and Kiai, focusing on breathing, energy, and the didactic progression of martial practice.
CultureCulture
Reflections on Practice
A reflection on martial practice as a physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual path.
NihontōNihontō
Tameshi-giri and Suemono-giri
A historical and cultural analysis of tameshi-giri and suemono-giri, from feudal sword-testing practices to their modern transformation into technical exercises in martial arts.
NihontōNihontō
Tameshigiri
An explanation of tameshigiri as a Japanese sword cutting test, focusing on target preparation, safety, zanshin, and the proper martial attitude.
CultureCulture
Wabi, Sabi, Yugen
A reflection on the aesthetic principles of Wabi, Sabi, and Yugen applied to Budo, as expressions of simplicity, naturalness, maturity, and power in martial technique.
NihontōNihontō
Chiburi
A historical and technical reflection on chiburi in iai, understood less as a practical method for cleaning the blade than as a gesture connected to zanshin and ritual purification.
AikidoAikido
Influences in Aikido of the Tenshin-Shin'Yo and Kito Schools
An overview of the influence of Tenshin-Shin’Yo Ryu and Kito Ryu on Aikido, focusing on kata, Ki, Kime, Kiai, and the didactic progression of practice.
AikidoAikido
Is Aikido a Martial Art?
A personal reflection by Stéphane Benedetti on Aikido as a warrior’s path, beyond the purely martial dimension and through the overcoming of fear, ego, and dualism.
CultureCulture
Ki Ken Tai
A practical and philosophical explanation of Ki-Ken-Tai, the unity of energy, body, and weapon/tool in martial practice.
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