reply to Ippondori
I don't think that Nathan (Nathan, please correct me if I am wrong) is saying that Ippondori is fake, but rather better applied when you have another weapon and, in this case, when you have studied it for 40 years or the equivalent in experience. I think one reason for Kondo Sensei's demonstration of Ippondori is to highlight the importance of this technique with regards to the Mainline Daito-ryu. I know for a fact that he emphasizes the importance of practicing this technique over and over again every time we see him. From my experiences, Ippondori against any weapon (tanto, bokken, Iaito, etc.) is very scary and produces an adrenalin rush that is difficult to manage.
I can't describe the feeling I had when I faced Kondo Sensei with an Iaito in the Shinbukan dojo, but I think I got the point. It is a very difficult technique to master, one that takes a lifetime of dedication and study. When performed against someone with skill, you will lose.
My understanding of Ippondori is that there are many principles and lessons contained within this one technique. Through continuous training these can be discovered and learned. If nothing else this technique teaches rei, maai, metsuke, kokyu, kozushi and zanshin. Hardly a waste of time to study and definitely not fake (IMO its just damn near impossible to complete).
Your's in health,
Brian Wagner
Daito-ryu aikijujutsu
Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu heiho