The 12 best Aikido DVDs for training and learning from

Imagine you can’t get down to your local dojo to train Aikido. Instead of sitting at home procrastinating, you could instead learn from DVDs. This is where we’ve found the top 12 Aikido DVDs to help aid your learning when you cannot physically train at a dojo. From DVDs based exclusively on weapons to DVDs based on sweeping techniques and some based solely on the philosophy of Aikido, we’ve found them all.

Here, there’s an extensive list of some great DVDs and exactly what they feature. There’s also a diverse range of subjects covered, so there should be something for everyone. From Ueshiba to Chiba, there are also some very big names included from the world of Aikido. As well, the bulk of these DVDs are also very affordable, meaning you don’t have to break the bank to start learning in front of your laptop or TV. Before continuing, here are a few reasons why you may want to start learning Aikido via DVDs:

• DVDs are highly practical and can be viewed on the go. For those with a busy schedule, they are ideal.
• DVDs can be a great investment. Once you’ve purchased one, you can literally re-use it at any time.
• DVDs can show you new techniques that you may not be aware of. Not every teacher knows everything about Aikido, so DVDs can expand your knowledge.
• DVDs can also educate you on the history and culture of Aikido. Here, you can see exactly how the founders acted in archive footage.
  

Aikido Curriculum – The Complete Series 1-7 by Hoa Newens

Simply put, this is a mammoth DVD set that is divided into seven sections. These sections include areas based on throws and also individual sections on weapons such as the Jo. Because of its depth, this DVD has a lot to take in and is ideal for someone who is trying to learn Aikido on their own.

Of course, learning from a physical teacher is always ideal – however, if you can’t for whatever reason then the Aikido curriculum is definitely the next best thing and leaves no stone unturned.

Aikido Mastery by TK Chiba

TK Chiba has trained Aikido for over 50 years. This DVD is divided into two different seminars from the ’70s and ’80s so expect the footage to represent the quality of those decades. Nonetheless, if this is the price you have to pay to learn from TK Chiba then so be it.

Perhaps the main advantage of this DVD is that it also looks at dealing with multiple attackers. Sometimes Aikido can focus too much on one vs one situations. Here, TK Chiba shows us not only how to win vs two attackers in a fist fight, but also against two attackers when they are both armed. As a result, this DVD is great for learning self defense.

Aikido Self Defense for the Modern Warrior by David Dye

When it comes to Aikido, David Dye is a 10th dan and this DVD is separated into three sections. The first part is based on Kotegaeshi (reverse hand movements), the second is based on Shihonage (hand throws) and the final section is based on self defense against weapons. In short, this DVD offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Aikido.

Whether you’re into defending against weapons, throwing with your hands or general Aikido – this DVD is arguably one of the best of the lot and covers all angles.

Carry Aikido Forward by various

At over 2 hours and 35 minutes, this DVD is one of the longest out there in terms of pure content. This means it’s ideal for those who have the time to really appreciate digital instruction. It also means that if you follow its instruction precisely then you can pick up a lot, especially as a beginner.

This DVD was also filmed at the 2010 Summer Retreat in Santa Cruz, which means it’s full of great teachers from far and wide. Interestingly, it also has a number of stories from years of history based on the rich past of Aikido.

Self-Defense Aikido by Toshishiro Obata

If you know Aikido then you may be familiar with Obata who is highly acclaimed and well thought of. His reputation doesn’t proceed him and this DVD is great for those who want to learn how to defend themselves by using Aikido. Here, Obata shows how soft Aikido can still be highly effective.

By watching this DVD, you can expect to learn how to counter punches, takedown opponent’s and also cause minimal damage without getting hurt yourself. After all, that’s what Aikido is about. On a separate note, the hand-movements in particular are quite fantastic at times and prove that Obata is a great teacher.

Aikido from A to Z: Jo by Reiner Brauhardt

As the title of this DVD suggests, it is essentially a masterclass on how to handle and use the Jo. Whether this means dis-arming an opponent or using the Jo yourself, the point is to get comfortable with handling the Jo as a weapon. A large part of this DVD is also dedicated to foot sweeps by using the Jo to put the opponent to the floor.

With this in mind, the Jo acts as an extension of your own limbs and is taught in a way similar to using your hands and arms in Aikido when training without weapons. Brauhardt also goes into some detail about the spiritual side of Aikido for those who are interested in its historic elements.

Aikido no Kokoro – The Heart of Aikido by various

At just over one and a half hours in length, this DVD is long enough to learn a lot about Aikido. It is also taught by various Aikido black belts, who are all 6th dan and above. With this in mind, you know there’s a lot to unpack and the teaching will be to a high standard.

The bulk of this DVD is focused on takedowns and throws and these are mostly taught from wrist-control. In brief, this DVD offers Aikido 101. As the title suggests, it really gets to the heart of Aikido.

Aikido Evolution by Alfonso Longueira

This DVD is a little different as not only does Longueira focus on physical techniques, but also on the spiritual and philosophical aspect of Aikido. Here, the focus for newcomers watching this video is for them to be as open-minded as possible. This ties in with the original beliefs of the founder Ueshiba who was as much a spiritualist as a teacher.

Another big part of this DVD features weapons. Generally speaking, all of the main Aikido weapons such as the Bokken and Jo are featured amongst others. For weapon defense, this DVD is ideal.

Aikido Masters Demonstrate by various

The great thing about this DVD is that it features moves taught by Master Ueshiba himself. Yes, that’s right…some of this footage is years old dating back to the 1930s and is recorded in grainy black and white. However, irrespective of the quality of film is the quality of the techniques. You really can’t get much better than Ueshiba showing his moves on film.

It should also be noted that this DVD is only 30 minutes in length. Nonetheless, for the history alone it’s worth a purchase and is great for Aikido history buffs. It also features other Aikido legends from the same era as Ueshiba.

Morehei Ueshiba Grand Patriarch Of Aikido

This DVD shows throwback footage of Ueshiba in his prime. With this said, it’s a great glimpse into the life of the founder of Aikido and shows his skills and personality. It should be added that this DVD is ideal for those looking to learn more about Ueshiba himself, rather than general Aikido techniques. In brief, it’s not exactly a library of moves to learn from but is more a celebration of Ueshiba’s life and his glowing charisma.

Advanced Aikido by Antonio & Marcos Pena

This DVD shows the most effective Aikido moves for self defense by the Pena brothers. One key benefit of this DVD is that it shows each technique from various camera angles. With this in mind, it’s probably one of the more modern DVD’s on the market and is filmed in high quality.

As the title suggests, this DVD is also meant for more advanced practitioners. Of course, if you’re new you can still watch it – however some of the moves require a certain level of skill to execute correctly.

The White Belt Bible by Roy Dean

Roy Dean is a black belt in both Aikido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a result, it’s fair to say that he’s a well-rounded martial artist. It should also be noted that this DVD is aimed at both disciplines, so please note there’s also a fair amount of BJJ talk on here. However, in terms of philosophy everything applies to white belts across the board.

Here, Dean will teach you how to use the basics whilst grappling. The point of this is that he blends in moves and techniques from various arts to create a winning formula. There’s nothing too fancy here, it’s just good, effective moves that can be applied for self defense. As mentioned though, a good chunk of this is based on BJJ.