Using groundbreaking Digital Motion Capture Technology (think Gollum in the movie Lord of the Ring), Digital Experiments in Aikido is a fascinating experiment in recording and visualizing the art of aikido. Its producers emphasize that this is not an instructional video; rather it is an exploration of the potential of new technology and its application to the study of physical arts and sports, particularly aikido.

Part One of the video documents each step of the DMCT process: senior aikidoists are recorded wearing special markers under infrared cameras, and animated graphics explain how visualizations are then created from the data.

Part Two consists of computer animations of captured techniques, presenting aikido in innovative ways not possible with normal photography. The project team presents its conclusions on the current and future potential of using motion capture with aikido.

The DVD is 30 minutes long and has Chapter Menus. NTSC DVD format.

Images courtesy of Adaptive Perception