In the modern practice of Aikido, the study of the sword has for all practical purposes, disappeared from the training.

The main value of sword study for Aikido students is not so much in the remembering of kata but rather in experiencing the proper handling of the sword itself. The movement of traditional sword and that of Aikido barehanded techniques, is essentially one and the same.

Gleason Sense demonstrates how the sword is not only valuable but even essential to understanding the movement of Aikido. Being a non competition martial discipline, the severity of reality is easily lost. When the sword is brought into the movement, however, a greater sense of urgency and attention to the moment becomes necessary.

William Gleason, 6th dan, founded Shobu Aikido, Inc. in 1980 in Boston Massachusetts. There are presently five shobu affiliate dojos from the Midwest to the East Coast. He is also the author of the Spiritual Foundations of Aikido which explains the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba in depth. Gleason Sensei began his study of Aikido in 1969 at the Hombu dojo in Japan with Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei, one of the most gifted students of the founder. Since 1985 Gleason Sensei has continued to study with Mitsugi Saotome Shihan under the auspices of Aikido of Schools of Ueshiba.

Length: 1 hour & 1 min.