I first thought of writing something on this theme after realising that contrary to what I thought initially, there were some interesting differences in the way my techniques were performed and intended according to whether I was demonstrating them as a teacher, or performing them as a student. Of course, for the experiment to be meaningful, these techniques had to be applied on the same partners each time. What struck me most is that the sensation was totally different according to the status I was assuming on the tatami.

Olivier Gaurin is a scholar of Aikido, author of several books on Aikido^[1],[6],[9] as well as fictions set in medieval Japan^{[7],[8],[2],[3]} and historical accounts^[5],[4]. Concerned about a drift of our art towards the sport, he reminds us about the cultural aspects that are an intrinsic part of Aikido. Having lived in Japan for over 20 years, he has immersed himself into the ancestral culture of his country of adoption and shares his thoughts on how 21st century Aikidoka should apprehend their practice.

Henry Ellis, one of the founders of the British Aikido Board gives us his account on how the organisation was created, how it developped and changed over the years and points out what made him, and numerous other founding members to resign from it.

Henry Ellis is one of the very first British Aikido practicioners, one of the few who go the chance to train at the Hut Dojo under Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. He has participated greatly in the spread and development of the Aikido practice all accross Britain and as such, he makes a point in making sure that the true story of the birth of British Aikido stays accessible to the younger generations. In this article, he describes the early years of Aikido in Britain.

I have never met an unpleasant practitioner or teacher of Aikido, have you? I am sure they must exist, certainly, but I have never met one. And when I look back at all the wonderful Aikido masters I have had the privilege of training with and learning from, I didn't meet one who didn't treat me with heartfelt kindness. Some were even positively humorous and shockingly refreshing. Well rounded humans who care about other's, isn't this how all martial arts should be.

The Dublin Aikido : City Centre dojo is the latest of the Dublin Aikikai Aikido (DAA) dojos. It is located at the heart of Dublin and was founded in September 2007 by Guillaume Erard, Nidan Aikikai with the constant support of Cyril Lagrasta Yondan Aikikai and head instructor of the DAA.

Henry Ellis, the author of the book "Positive Aikido"^[1] is one of the very first British Aikido practicioners, one of the few who got the chance to train at the Hut Dojo under Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. He has participated greatly in the spread and development of the Aikido practice all accross Britain and as such, he makes a point in making sure that the true story of the birth of British Aikido stays accessible to the younger generations. In this article, he argues that the Aikido as it is practiced today bares little resemblance to the original martial art that was taught in the late 50's, early 60's by the original masters...