Month: May 2022

Interview With Aikido of Monterey Dojo-Cho Danielle Smith: Aikido in Northern California, Part II

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Danielle Smith began training under Stanley Pranin in 1973, eventually taking over Pranin’s Aikido of Monterey three years later. As she continued through her aikido journey, she had the opportunity to experience many different early instructors, like Frank Doran, Mary Heiny, Linda Holiday, and Motomichi Anno. She also trained in Hakko-ryu Jujutsu, Seibukan Jujutsu, and … Continue reading Interview With Aikido of Monterey Dojo-Cho Danielle Smith: Aikido in Northern California, Part II

Interview With Aikido of Monterey Dojo-Cho Danielle Smith: Aikido in Northern California, Part I

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Danielle Smith began training under Stanley Pranin in 1973, eventually taking over Pranin’s Aikido of Monterey three years later. As she continued through her aikido journey, she had the opportunity to experience many different early instructors, like Frank Doran, Mary Heiny, Linda Holiday, and Motomichi Anno. She also trained in Hakko-ryu Jujutsu, Seibukan Jujutsu, and … Continue reading Interview With Aikido of Monterey Dojo-Cho Danielle Smith: Aikido in Northern California, Part I

Interview with Ravenwood Aikikai Chief Instructor David Hurst: Akira Tohei’s Legacy

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

David Hurst began his aikido journey in January 1988 after watching a demonstration led by Akira Tohei. He was enamored by Tohei’s ability and quickly took to his teachings. In addition to Tohei, Hurst had the opportunity to train under Hawk Durham and Judy Leppert. Currently, he holds the rank of sandan and is the … Continue reading Interview with Ravenwood Aikikai Chief Instructor David Hurst: Akira Tohei’s Legacy

Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Andrew Wai: Feeling is Seeing

~ Antonio Aloia ~ Leave a comment

Andrew Wai is not your average aikidoka, for he cannot see. But this has not stopped him from recently achieving his shodan! He first began aikido while he enrolled in Princeton University and continued on from there. Without his sight, he focuses on the feel of the technique and his ukemi. Today, Wai took some … Continue reading Interview with Longtime Aikidoka Andrew Wai: Feeling is Seeing