In contemporary times Taekwondo has been known for both its Olympic application and its sport association. While numerous benefits result from this perspective, there is a downside in that the skill set - while formidable - is not versatile.  Once competition rules are introduced, other aspects of martial arts training are omitted making for a very narrowly focused martial sport and, worse, a practitioner who is actually handicapped in an emergency. There will always be great fighters, regardless of style or discipline; however, under stress one will always employ what one has practiced. If kicking is the main focus, how does one negotiate an opponent whose primary art is punching or grappling? 

Modern Samurai now offers instruction in Aikido- Aikibujutsu through our authorized  Kyokai (study group) under the guidance and tutelage of Obata Toshishiro So Shihan. Obata Sensei was uchi-deshi (live-in disciple) under the late Shidoa Gozo Kancho. In 1980 Mr. Obata moved to America and began development of a research organization  called the “Aikibujutsu Tanren Kenkyukai" or more commonly known as Aiki-buken. While Obata sensei was uchi-deshi in Japan he also taught at the Yoshinkan honbu, universities, the Metropolitan Riot police and the Japanese self - defense army.  Obata Sensei created the Aiki-buken to accurately rebuild the concepts and techniques from the older styles of Aiki-bujutsu and Edo Torimonojutsu used during the feudal times of Japan. This is an ongoing process including the softer styles of modern aikido.

Following photos courtesy of Blitz Magazine.