This one-of-a-kind video presents an in-depth look at the life and art of one of Aikido’s preeminent masters, Christian Tissier, 7th dan. Having begun Aikido as a boy in France in 1962, Tissier spent eight years in Japan at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo training with many of the art’s top masters. On his return to his native France, he brought back a new kind of Aikido that soon captured the imagination of the Aikido world in his country and practitioners throughout Europe.

Contents of Christian Tissier: “An Aikido Odyssey”

In-depth interview with Christian Tissier

Aikido Journal Editor Stanley Pranin interviews Christian Tissier about his early years in Aikido in France, his first impressions of Japan and the Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Tissier goes on to describe his training and relationships with several of the Aikido greats of a by-gone era including Seigo Yamaguchi, Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Kisaburo Osawa, and several of the junior instructors.

Seminar highlights from Aiki Expo 2005

This series also highlights from several of Christian Tissier’s seminars conducted at Aiki Expo 2005. His lucid teaching method and the close-up camerawork make the seminar instruction of great value to aikido practitioners.

Special demonstration given behind closed doors -- Next, Christian Tissier gives a special demonstration, shot behind closed doors, where he explains in clear detail an advanced series of techniques that take advantage of the “forgotten direction” in Aikido that bear his unmistakable trademark. Slow-motion sequences are also included.

Expo demonstration by Christian Tissier -- The finale of this program is the dynamic public demonstration given by Tissier at the Aiki Expo that met with great public acclaim. In addition to his spectacular and graceful Aikido, Tissier demonstrates a series of kata from the Kashima Shin-ryu sword school that he mastered while in Japan.