A New Aikido DVD by John Turnbull

Further samples are found at www.inukfilms.com.au

Aikido is an amazing art which is still little understood in the West. Based on the principles of 'ki' - 'life-force' or 'bioenergy' - on which Chinese Medicine is also founded- it was a closely guarded secret until the 1950s.

Its techniques are largely based on older "arts of war", especially the superb traditions of Japanese fencing. Significantly, however, it was described by its Founder Morehei Ueshiba O'Sensei (the 'Great Teacher') as "the art of Peace". He stated that its underlying philosophy is "loving protection for all beings". In other words, Aikido's essence is creative and protective rather than destructive.

Never-the-less, its techniques are so severe that they can never be used as sport, and for this reason there are no competitions or matches in Aikido.

John Turnbull was taught Aikido by one of O'Sensei's most gifted uchi-deshis - 'inner students' - Seiichi Sugano Shihan. ( A 'shihan' is 'a teacher of teachers'.) He also attended classes by O'Sensei's son Kissomaru Ueshiba and his grandson, the present world leader of Aikido, Moreteru Ueshiba Doshu.

He became Sugano Shihan's first Australian student in 1965, following 20 years of training under two of Australia's greatest martial art teachers, judo and jujitsu master Les Byers of Bjelke-Petersen's Gymnasium in Sydney, and Ray Vercoe, Founder of the Bankstown Pancratium Club. From this solid background he instantly recognised Aikido as the supreme method of self-development through training in martial art that it is. Now an amazing 71 years young, he teaches and trains daily with the insight that has gradually arisen from decades of dedicated study.

To help enthusiasts gain a clearer picture of what the original, combat-effective Aikido was really like, Turnbull Sensei has just released a DVD aimed at helping inexperienced people discover at least a little of Aikido's true essence, while also assisting more advanced students gain fuller insights into its principles.

He emphasises that Aikido cannot be learnt from books or films - hands-on instruction is essential - but he hopes that this DVD will provide valuable insights into its true nature, and so help preserve its essence for future generations. This DVD costs $35 and there is a discount for members of the National Aikido Federation (Inc).

To obtain a copy, send an email to: Tom.Finnigan@sbs.com.au
or write to The National Aikido Federation Inc., 8 Sanford Place, Kaleen. ACT 2617, Australia.