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

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Review by Jim Alverez, Fifth Dan, 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.

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Review by Linda Holiday, Sixth Dan, Aikido of Santa Cruz

n 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