Here is Alexander Bennett quoting Sensei Inoue Yoshihiko (Kendo 8th Dan Hanshi) “Kendo is universal wisdom that teaches us the supreme value of life through knowing techniques of life. Kendo is always ‘correct’. There is no such thing…

Alexander Bennett also raises some essential points in his book on the history of Kendo which merit consideration by individuals training in Aikido.

In his excellent description of Kendo’s history and philosophy (Kendo: Culture of the Sword [2015]) Alexander Bennett states his view of the purposes of Kendo training: All of this applies to every Japanese Budo including Aikido.

To make a great samurai sword the requirements are good raw materials, appropriate equipment, and a skilled smith. The forging process is called “tanren” in Japanese. Just as a master sword maker crafts the blade with heat and…

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” “Know thyself.” “Nothing in excess.” One does not live to study philosophy. One studies philosophy to live. We do not live to train on the mat in Aikido, even though the…

Your instructor has patiently taught. Other students have devoted their time, energy, and pain for your development. Show respect to them by demonstrating that you are attempting to learn. Help improve the group through you individual efforts. By…

Recently an Ontario coaching organization offered a course on “Making Ethical Decisions”. I was not able to attend, but I would like to offer my personal thoughts. Ethics is the study of morality. It is the branch of…

In Grades 7 and 8 I was a very poor student in my woodworking and metalworking classes. Despite my best efforts, my projects were never very successful. Nevertheless, I learned some important principles: I use these concepts in…

Another time Tanaka Shihan reminded us that, “If it isn’t elegant, it isn’t Aikido”.