Steve Fasen found aikido almost by accident. After training in karate for a number of years before coming to the Orlando area, he wandered into an aikido class when his kids’ gymnastics class ran over. A few weeks later, Fasen met Dennis Hooker and proceeded to follow his teachings and later became friends with his … Continue reading Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part II
Month: April 2022
Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part I
Steve Fasen found aikido in Central Florida almost by accident. After training in karate for a decade prior to moving to the Orlando area, he wandered into an aikido class when his kids’ gymnastics class ran over. A few weeks later, Fasen met Dennis Hooker and proceeded to follow his teachings. Today, Fasen met up … Continue reading Interview with Shindai Aikikai Chief Instructor Steve Fasen: Dennis Hooker and His Legacy, Part I
Reflecting on Mind Over Muscle
Kano, Jigoro. Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder Judo. New York: Kodansha USA, 2013. While practicing judo during the early stages of the pandemic, I found myself feeling like I was missing something in my training. There was an extra layer that eluded me when I attempted to throw my partner in nage waza. … Continue reading Reflecting on Mind Over Muscle
Fencing and Kendo: A Layman’s Observation
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a local fencing tournament. The participants were beginners of the sport who had just finished their ten-week introductory course. Being beginners, the fencers competed with the foil, where only the torso was the valid scoring area. Throughout the experience, being new to the sport, both the newly inducted … Continue reading Fencing and Kendo: A Layman’s Observation