LIBRARY
Articles, Essays, Study Guides, & Websites. Here you'll find a wealth of curated information, designed to help you deepen your training. Click the red insert arrow icon on the right to easily download -or if a website, be taken to- that resource.
BUDO RENSHU
Morihei Ueshiba
This book appeared in 1933 and is the first published account of O-Sensei's art. Although not actually written down by him, it is a transcription of lectures and explanations which was later reviewed by the founder and approved as a teacher's manual. At Shinjinkai we believe it is an invaluable resource to get a glimpse of the historical applications and view of Aikido.
ON KI
Fumio Toyoda Sensei
In a lecture originally given as a personal conversation with Meido Moore Sensei, Toyoda Sensei shares his views on the training method, philosophy, and technique of Budo, The Martial Way. Illustrating the unique flavor of training that is central to the arts, and members of Shinjinkan Dojo.
A BIOGRAPHY OF FUMIO TOYODA SENSEI
Meido Moore Sensei
Compiled from a series of interviews between himself and Toyoda Shihan, and conducted in 1998; Meido Moore Sensei gives a startling personal account of the life of the renown Zen master, Aikido Instructor, and founder of Shinjinkai. A must read for all members!
MEMORIES OF TOYODA SENSEI
Meido Moore Sensei
Originally written to be included in a collection of memorial articles immediately following Toyoda Sensei’s death in 2001, here Moore Sensei recountes his all-too-vivid memories of meeting, and training under, Toyoda Shihan.
THE ZEN MASTER, TENZAN TOYODA
Meido Moore
Most students of Toyoda Shihan are aware that he stressed Zen principles in his instruction. At the very least, it is clear that he considered the practice of seated meditation and other internal training to be crucial; familiarity with "meisoho," meditation training, was even one of his Aikido rank test requirements. Unfortunately, it is the one most misunderstood and most often ignored.
ZAZEN & BUDO
Fumio Toyoda Sensei
"Zen is Zen, Aikido is Aikido." states Toyoda Shihan, in a lecture given to Meido Moore Sensei. These are two different traditions. But for many people Zen has provided an understanding of the deeper elements of martial arts training.
AN INTERVIEW W/JOHN MAZZA SENSEI
Myoken
John Mazza Sensei can be found leading training with the compassionate and humorous demeanor for which he’s known. But the humble and mild exterior is the result of many years of intensive training. This interview originally appeared in “Myoken”, the Shinjinkai newsletter. In it, Mazza Sensei reflects on his his early days, and on the ongoing path of martial arts practice he continues to walk.
PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING IN BUDO
Here Moore Sensei lists 10 key principles essential to training, and further, one's entire existence as a practitioner of Budo, The Martial Way.
Meido Moore
MIND, ENERGY & STRENGTH
Shin, Ki, Ryoku: Mind, Energy and Strength in Zen and Budo. A Dharma talk given by Meido Moore Roshi at Brooklyn Aikikai, 12/15/12.
Meido Moore Sensei
MEMORIES OF SHINJINKAN DOJO
Jim Tabor Sensei
Jim Tabor, a senior student of Moore Sensei's who took a break from aikido training (due to battling several illness - one form of cancer among them-) looks through some personal memories during his hiatus, and prior to returning to aikido.
SHINJINKAN DOJO ETIQUETTE
A Reference Guide
While each of the different martial arts practiced at Shinjinkai has its own specific traditions of etiquette, the following used by Aikido members may serve in many aspects as a general guide. If you have any questions regarding etiquette, please speak with your instructor.
AIKIDO STUDENT STUDY GUIDE
A Training Guide
“Kata” refers to forms handed down which impart certain principles of body/mind usage, as well as specific martial techniques. These techniques themselves are called “waza”. Much of Aikido practice consists of kata practice, generally involving two persons, one of whom applies the technqiues (the “tori” or “nage”), and one who receives the techniques (the “uke”). While this list is by no means comprehensive, it represents the fundamental waza most commonly practiced at Shinjinkai.
AIKIDO TECHNIQUES & TERMINOLOGY
A partial list of terms used in training.
Pronunciation Guide
AIKI-TAISO
Body Management Exercises
A numbered list of the body managements exercises commonly conducted at Shinjinkai, as apart of the stretching, and warm-up period of every class.
ATEMI
Striking Reference Sheet
A list of the "atemi" (open-hand strikes) most commonly practiced at Shinjinkai.
BOKKEN & JO
Weapon Strikes Reference
A list of the basic "suburi" (weapon strikes) for the bokken (wooden sword) and jo (short staff) most commonly practiced at Shinjinkai.
SHINJINKAI TEST REQUIREMENTS
Adults (15yrs & above)
These requirements are not a comprehensive list of the techniques Aikido students of Shinjinkan Dojo must learn. They are compiled only as a tool for conducting examinations. Additional requirements may be requested by the examiner according to the student’s training history and ability.
YOUTH AIKIDO TEST REQUIREMENTS
Youths (6yrs -13yrs)
These requirements are not a comprehensive list of the techniques Aikido students of Shinjinkan Dojo must learn. They are compiled only as a tool for conducting examinations. Additional requirements may be requested by the examiner according to the student’s training history and ability.
KYU EXAM FORM
Adults (15yrs & above)
Be sure you have the required number of practice days before applying for an examination. You must have your instructor’s permission to test. Application forms, fees ($35 for adults, $25 for youths) and essays should be submitted 3 days before the examination.
THE AIKIDO FOUNDATION
Aikido has become established in 130 countries, and under the direction of Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, instructors carry on the spirit of Aikido which continues to grow throughout the world.
AIKIDO SHIMBOKUKAI
Shinjinkan Dojo's
Shinjinkan Dojo is led by persons who have a direct training relationship with Moore Sensei or another of our teachers. This dojo and their students become members of our national organization, Aikido Shimbokukai. The Aikido Shimbokukai is an Officially Recognized Organization by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. We value our relationship with Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation, and strive to support them as best as possible, through training and other activities.
MEISHI-HA MUGAIRYU IAIHYODO
Suimokai is an organization dedicated to the study and spread of traditional Japanese martial arts, specifically the Meishi Branch of Mugairyu (iai, kenjutsu, kumitachi, shizan), Shindomusoryu Jo, and Uchidaryu/Toseiryu Tanjo. The head instructor of Suimokai is the founder of the Meishi Branch, Gyokudo Toyoaki Niina. He was a student of Hosho Shiokawa, himself a student of Shiryu Nakagawa. Niina-gosoke is Hanshi, Menkyo-kaiden in Mugairyu Iaihyodo, Shindomusoryu Jodo, and Uchidaryu Tanjojutsu. Mugairyu, as practiced by Meishi-ha, is kireru iai -- cutting iai.
SHINBUKAN KURODA DOJO
Japanese Site
The Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo was founded by Yahei Masayoshi Kuroda in 1848 to transmit four
styles of martial arts inherited by the Kuroda family. Kenjutsu, Jujutsu, Iaijutsu, Bojutsu; together, these comprise the Shinbukan Kuroda Ryu-gi, or style, today led by Headmaster Tetsuzan Kuroda Sensei. Please read the Rules of Conduct for members, and if interested, the History of Shinbukan Kuroda Dojo.
KORINJI RINZAI ZEN COMMUNITY
What am I? What is this life for? Why is there suffering? These are universal human questions that demand answers. Zen, however, is not a system of belief or dogma. It is an experiential recognition of your own deepest nature, and a mind-body training to embody that. With guidance from the teacher and through devoted practice of things like meditation, we may awaken to our intrinsic wisdom. Anyone who is determined to live life in a manner manifesting wisdom and compassion can do so, and Zen provides the path. We welcome all sincere seekers. Meido Moore is the abbot of Korinji monastery - our headquarters temple near Madison, Wisconsin - and guiding teacher of the Korinji Rinzai Zen Community. Feel free to click the icon to contact us.
Meido Roshi is the author of The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice(Shambhala Publications, 2018). His next book, Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization, will be released by Shambhala in October 2020.
DAIYUZENJI
Daiyuzenji is a Zen Buddhist temple in the Rinzai lineage, located on Chicago's North Side. We are an open community from diverse backgrounds, joined together to support one another in our Zen training. Our mission is simple: to make this transformative practice available to all, and to ensure it's transmission to future generations. If you are interested in visiting us, or beginning Zen practice, we welcome you: beginners are given introductory meditation instruction, enabling them to participate in any activity. Please click the icon to see our Getting Started Page.
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