A Principles-Driven Developmental Taxonomy of Karate Kata by Michael Martin
Karate kata are most often encountered as sequences to memorize, forms to perform, and milestones to pass on the way to higher rank. In many dojos, they are treated as objects: fixed arrangements of movement whose value lies in faithful reproduction, technical sharpness, or aesthetic precision. Students learn them as lists, instructors teach them as…
Martial Arts Historian: The Wider Implications
Some time ago, there was an interaction on social media that revolved around a video about aikido history. After reading the comments, I was left feeling unsettled; I was disappointed and frustrated by how the online exchange unfolded. However, before explaining what happened, it may be best to come to terms with the idea, definition…
Shu-Ha-Ri: Ascending Spiral of Principles by Michael Martin
Every genuine martial arts tradition begins with form. The repetition of patterns, the correction of stances, and the seemingly endless refinement of minute details are the first steps of a path that leads far beyond technique. In Japanese martial arts, this progression is elegantly captured in the triad of Shu-Ha-Ri, a model of learning that…
Interview with Coalition Founder Lynne Morrison: Her Experience with the Independent Coalition of USAF Women
With a background in dance and a love for movement, Lynne Morrison found herself drawn to Aikido when she saw it for the first time in 1972 with Yoshimitsu Yamada leading a class at the New York Aikikai. Immediately, she signed up and trained intensely when, in 1978, she began teaching classes at New York…
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Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 