DVD Reviews
Elaine Aron
A Talk on High Sensitivity
racida
This is awesome. I was always an incredibly shy & sensitive child. My mom would always make me feel guilty about how shy I was, and my family would tease me about my sensitivity. Now I don't feel so bad about it.
Sw3etTea
This video changed my life.
Stefania Czech
Thank you so much Elaine Aron, I now feel like I understand my unique brand of MEness!
Molly Sato
Thank you so much for this! So much has become clearer to me of who I am and why.. So much..
Much love and blessings ♥
mimelontea
Beautiful, Empowering talk.
Remembering Terry Dobson
Greg O'Connor, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor
Aikido Centers of New Jersey
"What a beautiful tribute to Terry and what a gift to those of us who were and still are inspired by him. This is a gift also to those who never had the chance to receive his guidance so that they may be inspired now. Terry taught the true essence of O Sensei's Aikido taking Aikido's basic forms and showing how to use them to go beyond to the transcendence possible with our own individual humanity."
Michael Friedl. 6th Dan
Chief instructor, Aikido of Ashland
"The newest DVD 'Remembering Terry Dobson' is a treasure. For those of you who knew Terry, you will see him at his finest. The film captures one of the last classes Terry taught before he died. His love for Aikido is evident in his facial expressions and his interactions with the students. He really wanted people to get what O'Sensei had given him. He spoke of O'Sensei with such love and respect. It was heartwarming to listen to Terry's voice and watch his facial expression and body language, and truly feel the emotional bond that Terry had with O'Sensei. Terry also made it very clear that life is real and Aikido is real. Personal space may consists of inches from an opponent as opposed to being a car width apart.
For Aikidoist who have never had the opportunity to meet Terry, but know of him, you are in for a treat. Terry was ahead of his time is the best way I would described what he did. Terry did not prescribed to ikkyo, nikkyu, sankyu, etc in the traditional sense. He let things unfold and a touch here or there would take an uke's balance and he/she would meet the mat so fast that you could not tell what happened. His ability to move his body in a very efficient manner is remarkable. Terry was of ill health when teaching this class. And yet outside of moving slowly as he went form group to group to give instruction, he appeared energized by the people , his surroundings, and the excitement of sharing of sharing his Aikido with family. Terry treated all Aikidoist as family. He could be difficult, in your face, and also funny and compassionate. Many facets of his personality shine through this video. A must for any Aikido library.
Clyde Takaguchi 7th Dan
Chief Instructor, Capital Aikikai
"Terry was truly before his time and his emphasis on the intensity and commitment of the uke and nage is great.
The DVD is a good reminder of Terry, his method of teaching and interacting with the class and with individual students."
Greg O'Connor, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor
Aikido Centers of New Jersey
"What a beautiful tribute to Terry and what a gift to those of us who were and still are inspired by him. This is a gift also to those who never had the chance to receive his guidance so that they may be inspired now. Terry taught the true essence of O Sensei's Aikido taking Aikido's basic forms and showing how to use them to go beyond to the transcendence possible with our own individual humanity."
Michael Friedl. 6th Dan
Chief instructor, Aikido of Ashland
"The newest DVD 'Remembering Terry Dobson' is a treasure. For those of you who knew Terry, you will see him at his finest. The film captures one of the last classes Terry taught before he died. His love for Aikido is evident in his facial expressions and his interactions with the students. He really wanted people to get what O'Sensei had given him. He spoke of O'Sensei with such love and respect. It was heartwarming to listen to Terry's voice and watch his facial expression and body language, and truly feel the emotional bond that Terry had with O'Sensei. Terry also made it very clear that life is real and Aikido is real. Personal space may consists of inches from an opponent as opposed to being a car width apart.
For Aikidoist who have never had the opportunity to meet Terry, but know of him, you are in for a treat. Terry was ahead of his time is the best way I would described what he did. Terry did not prescribed to ikkyo, nikkyu, sankyu, etc in the traditional sense. He let things unfold and a touch here or there would take an uke's balance and he/she would meet the mat so fast that you could not tell what happened. His ability to move his body in a very efficient manner is remarkable. Terry was of ill health when teaching this class. And yet outside of moving slowly as he went form group to group to give instruction, he appeared energized by the people , his surroundings, and the excitement of sharing of sharing his Aikido with family. Terry treated all Aikidoist as family. He could be difficult, in your face, and also funny and compassionate. Many facets of his personality shine through this video. A must for any Aikido library.
Clyde Takaguchi 7th Dan
Chief Instructor, Capital Aikikai
"Terry was truly before his time and his emphasis on the intensity and commitment of the uke and nage is great.
The DVD is a good reminder of Terry, his method of teaching and interacting with the class and with individual students."
Dennis Hooker: Zanshin and Ma-ai in Aikido
Review by Toby Threadgill, Kaicho
Takamura ha Sindo Yoshin Kai
This video produced by Keigan Productions is excellent. It is well lit, filmed, edited and the sound quality very good. Being a professional photographer myself, I recognize that these technical aspects are all too often overlooked by many in the field of offering limited production videos for public consumption. Kudo’s to producer Shari Dyer for her effort and high standards.
On Mr Hooker....
I must say it is refreshing to observe a DVD on aikido where the instructor is so matter of fact in conveying important budo theory. Hooker sensei, in a relaxed and easy going manner covers various important aikido principles with competence and aplomb. His teaching methodology proceeds in a way that speaks to a wide array of practitioners because it presents complex material in an easy to digest format. I especially appreciated his explanation of how seemingly passive movement is frequently misinterpreted in the greater aikido community. Hooker sensei competently demonstrates how what appears to be passive is actually active, and that this type of engagement is a superior means of applying technique. I also appreciated Hooker sensei’s demonstration of how aikido principles are connected to basic sword application. This really completes the circle for a guy like me, steeped in classical kenjutsu. Without an appreciation of how aikido waza has origins in swordwork, practitioners all too often allow technique to morph into a form of budo dance disconnected from its historical and technical roots. Hooker sensei’s whole approach to aikido conveys the idea that budo must first be a martial pursuit, and then a philosophical one. I couldn’t agree more.
A guy like Dennis Hooker is a real gem for those in the aikido community. He has trained long and hard to develop the talents he offers thru his seminars and this DVD. I think this work is of great value for those individuals interested in aikido theory, regardless of rank or affiliation.
Toby Threadgill / Kaicho
Takamura ha Shindo Yoshin Kai
***************************************************************
Review by Jim Alverez, Fifth Dan
Chief Instructor, Aikido of Livermore
Upon viewing this instructional DVD I was struck by just how closely the thoughts and training principles that Hooker Sensei touches on are very much what I have been trying to follow in my own training. That being said it is at the same time validating and encouraging hearing these thoughts and training principles spoken from such an illustrious teacher. If you are hearing these for the first time it may be validating your reasons for starting Aikido and encouraging you to continue. If they echo your own thoughts it is a like a gentle push down the Aikido path you are on.
Hooker Sensei starts from basic katate-dori and how uke should grab and why, to how to keep this type of grab from being successful by making good connection with uke. From that point he goes into the advantages of a good uke/nage relationship, emphasizing this relationship through some great weapons work using both sword and jo.
Hooker Sensei gives superb demonstrations of basic Aiki principles applicable to all aspects of your training. There are valuable pearls of wisdom from this experienced teacher sprinkled throughout this exceptional DVD. He also expounds on the theme that Aikido is a way to make us and our training partners better human beings. For me this DVD offers an excellent way to increase your overall understanding of Aikido and it rich depth.
It is a well-made, professional DVD with great camera angles and clear sound quality. A must have for your DVD library.
***************************************************************
Review by Linda Holiday, Sixth Dan
Chief Instructor, Aikido of Santa Cruz
In this DVD, Dennis Hooker teaches with heartfelt conviction, solidly based on his decades of Aikido experience. He gives both verbal and physical instruction, going beyond mechanistic techniques into the realm of principle, while staying firmly grounded in the practical benefits of Aikido training. I appreciated Hooker Sensei’s many engaging exhortations, such as to “stop standing still!”---to move from “reactive Aikido” to “proactive Aikido”---and to “jump out of the car before it goes over the cliff”.
Keigan Productions provides us with crystal-clear sound and close-up instructional sequences, with no distracting elements, so Hooker Sensei’s positive insights and training tips are easily absorbed.
Review by Toby Threadgill, Kaicho
Takamura ha Sindo Yoshin Kai
This video produced by Keigan Productions is excellent. It is well lit, filmed, edited and the sound quality very good. Being a professional photographer myself, I recognize that these technical aspects are all too often overlooked by many in the field of offering limited production videos for public consumption. Kudo’s to producer Shari Dyer for her effort and high standards.
On Mr Hooker....
I must say it is refreshing to observe a DVD on aikido where the instructor is so matter of fact in conveying important budo theory. Hooker sensei, in a relaxed and easy going manner covers various important aikido principles with competence and aplomb. His teaching methodology proceeds in a way that speaks to a wide array of practitioners because it presents complex material in an easy to digest format. I especially appreciated his explanation of how seemingly passive movement is frequently misinterpreted in the greater aikido community. Hooker sensei competently demonstrates how what appears to be passive is actually active, and that this type of engagement is a superior means of applying technique. I also appreciated Hooker sensei’s demonstration of how aikido principles are connected to basic sword application. This really completes the circle for a guy like me, steeped in classical kenjutsu. Without an appreciation of how aikido waza has origins in swordwork, practitioners all too often allow technique to morph into a form of budo dance disconnected from its historical and technical roots. Hooker sensei’s whole approach to aikido conveys the idea that budo must first be a martial pursuit, and then a philosophical one. I couldn’t agree more.
A guy like Dennis Hooker is a real gem for those in the aikido community. He has trained long and hard to develop the talents he offers thru his seminars and this DVD. I think this work is of great value for those individuals interested in aikido theory, regardless of rank or affiliation.
Toby Threadgill / Kaicho
Takamura ha Shindo Yoshin Kai
***************************************************************
Review by Jim Alverez, Fifth Dan
Chief Instructor, Aikido of Livermore
Upon viewing this instructional DVD I was struck by just how closely the thoughts and training principles that Hooker Sensei touches on are very much what I have been trying to follow in my own training. That being said it is at the same time validating and encouraging hearing these thoughts and training principles spoken from such an illustrious teacher. If you are hearing these for the first time it may be validating your reasons for starting Aikido and encouraging you to continue. If they echo your own thoughts it is a like a gentle push down the Aikido path you are on.
Hooker Sensei starts from basic katate-dori and how uke should grab and why, to how to keep this type of grab from being successful by making good connection with uke. From that point he goes into the advantages of a good uke/nage relationship, emphasizing this relationship through some great weapons work using both sword and jo.
Hooker Sensei gives superb demonstrations of basic Aiki principles applicable to all aspects of your training. There are valuable pearls of wisdom from this experienced teacher sprinkled throughout this exceptional DVD. He also expounds on the theme that Aikido is a way to make us and our training partners better human beings. For me this DVD offers an excellent way to increase your overall understanding of Aikido and it rich depth.
It is a well-made, professional DVD with great camera angles and clear sound quality. A must have for your DVD library.
***************************************************************
Review by Linda Holiday, Sixth Dan
Chief Instructor, Aikido of Santa Cruz
In this DVD, Dennis Hooker teaches with heartfelt conviction, solidly based on his decades of Aikido experience. He gives both verbal and physical instruction, going beyond mechanistic techniques into the realm of principle, while staying firmly grounded in the practical benefits of Aikido training. I appreciated Hooker Sensei’s many engaging exhortations, such as to “stop standing still!”---to move from “reactive Aikido” to “proactive Aikido”---and to “jump out of the car before it goes over the cliff”.
Keigan Productions provides us with crystal-clear sound and close-up instructional sequences, with no distracting elements, so Hooker Sensei’s positive insights and training tips are easily absorbed.
Stories of O-Sensei
Review by Richard Strozzi-Heckler, 6th Dan
Chief Instructor, Two Rocks Aikido, Petaluma, California
Author of "The Leadership Dojo"
Accompanied by rare photos, Frager Sensei who studied with O'Sensei offers a very personal and deeply spiritual look into the teachings and life of O'Sensei. These stories and reminiscences reflect the depth, compassion, and power of the founder of Aikido, Master Ueshiba.
The Five Rings of Miyamoto Musashi and Aikido
Review by Louis Jumonville, 5th Dan
Chief Instructor, Hikari Dojo, Concord, CA
This DVD of Bob Frager Sensei 7th Dan was filmed live at a seminar in which I was fortunate enough to participate. It truly captures the inspiring joy, humor and passion that permeate Frager Sensei’s instruction. It is very thought provoking and can provide beginning and advanced students alike much to ponder and explore in their practice. Here, Frager Sensei explains and demonstrates the relationships and methods of expressing the five elements during Aikido keiko. Aikidoka of all levels can readily see Frager Sensei demonstrate the different forms that Aikido techniques take, depending on the primary element being expressed at that time. I really appreciated that Frager Sensei took great care in stressing that each element and the forms that they take are equally valid, and that different situations during training and daily life provide us all the opportunities to respond in our own unique way.
In addition, the stories that Frager Sensei tells of sitting and training with Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido are told with such reverence and love that whoever watches, will undoubtedly experience some of the mystery that Frager Sensei experienced while training with the O’Sensei. I highly recommend this video!
Review by Richard Strozzi-Heckler, 6th Dan
Chief Instructor, Two Rocks Aikido, Petaluma, California
Author of "The Leadership Dojo"
Accompanied by rare photos, Frager Sensei who studied with O'Sensei offers a very personal and deeply spiritual look into the teachings and life of O'Sensei. These stories and reminiscences reflect the depth, compassion, and power of the founder of Aikido, Master Ueshiba.
The Five Rings of Miyamoto Musashi and Aikido
Review by Louis Jumonville, 5th Dan
Chief Instructor, Hikari Dojo, Concord, CA
This DVD of Bob Frager Sensei 7th Dan was filmed live at a seminar in which I was fortunate enough to participate. It truly captures the inspiring joy, humor and passion that permeate Frager Sensei’s instruction. It is very thought provoking and can provide beginning and advanced students alike much to ponder and explore in their practice. Here, Frager Sensei explains and demonstrates the relationships and methods of expressing the five elements during Aikido keiko. Aikidoka of all levels can readily see Frager Sensei demonstrate the different forms that Aikido techniques take, depending on the primary element being expressed at that time. I really appreciated that Frager Sensei took great care in stressing that each element and the forms that they take are equally valid, and that different situations during training and daily life provide us all the opportunities to respond in our own unique way.
In addition, the stories that Frager Sensei tells of sitting and training with Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido are told with such reverence and love that whoever watches, will undoubtedly experience some of the mystery that Frager Sensei experienced while training with the O’Sensei. I highly recommend this video!
George Ledyard: Basic Principles of the Sword
The First Five Kumitachi of Saotome Shihan
From Kayla Feder
6th Dan
Aikido of Berkeley
I recently had the opportunity to watch George Ledyard's newest DVDS, produced by Shari Dyer (Keigan Productions). It was well filmed.
I was inspired by many of his points during the seminar. Ledyard Sensei was intsructing, so he was in training mode and was able to get across some important information. The DVDs seemed helpful for beginners and advanced practitioners, as well as for those looking for inspiring ideas, pointers and/or insight into sword practice.
I have been a student of Aikido for the last thirty plus years, and picked up tools from this DVD that have been helpful in teaching the bokken as well as teaching ways of looking at training in general. For instance, Ledyard Sensei says that when you offer your hand, you are not really offering it to ask your partner or opponent to grab, but rather you offer your hand to draw out their spirit.
The only thing I would have like to have been different is to see more of him just moving with his partners. I would (highly) recommend this DVD to all Aikido students.
Note from the producer: If you have a submenu button on your remote, you can flick back and forth from the video to the submenu, where the full movement for each kumitachi is demonstrated by Ledyard Sensei and Kevin Lam. This use of the submenu button is available in all Keigan Production DVDs.
The First Five Kumitachi of Saotome Shihan
From Kayla Feder
6th Dan
Aikido of Berkeley
I recently had the opportunity to watch George Ledyard's newest DVDS, produced by Shari Dyer (Keigan Productions). It was well filmed.
I was inspired by many of his points during the seminar. Ledyard Sensei was intsructing, so he was in training mode and was able to get across some important information. The DVDs seemed helpful for beginners and advanced practitioners, as well as for those looking for inspiring ideas, pointers and/or insight into sword practice.
I have been a student of Aikido for the last thirty plus years, and picked up tools from this DVD that have been helpful in teaching the bokken as well as teaching ways of looking at training in general. For instance, Ledyard Sensei says that when you offer your hand, you are not really offering it to ask your partner or opponent to grab, but rather you offer your hand to draw out their spirit.
The only thing I would have like to have been different is to see more of him just moving with his partners. I would (highly) recommend this DVD to all Aikido students.
Note from the producer: If you have a submenu button on your remote, you can flick back and forth from the video to the submenu, where the full movement for each kumitachi is demonstrated by Ledyard Sensei and Kevin Lam. This use of the submenu button is available in all Keigan Production DVDs.