Practical Self-Defense

Aikido is a martial art form that can  include soft, slow, and gentle movements much like the videos seen on the internet.  However, when taught the full range of Aikido techniques, many of which can be very dynamic, it becomes obvious that Aikido as a martial art includes very effective self-defense tactics that anyone can learn to apply with proper instruction and enough practice.  While there are many ways in which to look at Aikido, such as a means of physical fitness (or the development of body, mind, and spirit) the fact remains that old-style Aikido is amazingly effective as a means by which one can learn self-defense and old-style combat techniques.  This is why Aikido is a required part of the training curriculum at the Kaisho (Japanese Police Academy) in Tokyo and why all Japanese police officers have black belts in Aikido.

Old Flow Weapons

Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo ("The Way of the Stick") is documented as being over 400 years old.  The Jodo class is taught separately from the Aikido classes and Jodoka are ranked by the Koryu (Old Flow) scroll system by which students are not ranked per se, but instead are given a scroll that indicates overall knowledge and ability.  SMR Jodo was developed by Muso Gonnosuke, the only man to beat Miyamoto Mushashi in combat.   Originally practiced as a dueling art (where the stick challenged the swordsman) it was considered so effective that it was eventually adopted by today's Japanese Riot Police for crowd control.  Fast paced, sophisticated, and intricate in it's practice, it provides a window into how the Samurai fought during the warring periods.  The use of the stick and sword teaches very close tolerances as each struggles for control of the other.  The  ryu (or schoo)l of old flow weapons includes other forms of practice including the use of sword breakers, war fans, and chain and sickle as it teaches the Samurai mindset that was a part of ancient one-on-one combat.