From: San Fancisco Aikikai DVD productions <aikikai@telus.net>
  Subject: Aikido Techniques Database

  Finally, it is here, the first ever searchable on-line database of Aikido 
techniques  including Taijutsu, Kumitachi and Kumijo featuring Shihan level 
instructors of the North  American Shihankai and others.  You will find 85 
MPEG4 video clips including vintage  footage from the 1970's & 80's of 
Osawa Sensei (senior), Akira Tohei Sensei and Kawahara Sensei and more recent 
digital media of Kanai Sensei, Yamada Sensei, Chiba Sensei and Sugano Sensei 
plus guest instructors from Hombu dojo including Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.  We 
have even included some historical footage of O-Sensei's visit to Osaka Aikikai  
from the late 50's or early 60's, and legacy material from 1993 lecture series 
given by  Kanai Sensei plus some never before seen footage like Kanai Sensei's 
original Jo Kata  c. 1975.

  In addition, we have included 152 VRs (QuickTime Virtual Reality) just click 
and drag  your cursor over the image to make them play.  They are full sized, 
some as large as  640 x 480 so they take some time to download, but the MPEG 4 
will play immediately with  no download time.

  You can search the database by type of media, technique name, category, 
attack or any  combination of field requests.  This is not a list, it is a 
fully functioning relational  database powered by Filemaker.  You can visit 
the database via the San Francisco Aikikai DVD Productions website at 
<http://www.sfaikikai.com/> and click on the Aikido Database link at the 
bottom of the page.

  In 1999, I started to capture on digital video the techniques of the Shihan 
who visited  our dojo, I always thought that we had to memorialize their 
techniques as they got older.  It was my assumption that they would not be 
able to teach forever.  Sadly, this is all  too true with the passing of so 
many Shihan who were the original uchideshi of O-Sensei.

  There is no cost for accessing the database and it is our hope to continue to 
add more  and more material over time.  We would welcome other material if you 
care to submit it  to us, just email me with what you've got to contribute and 
let me know what format it  is in and we will consider it for inclusion.


  Any comments or suggestions are appreciated and I hope you enjoy 
the viewing.

  Yours truly,

  Joel Posluns (6th Dan), Shidoin
San Francisco Aikikai DVD productions
aikikai@telus.net
http://www.sfaikikai.com/
(604) 921-8730